Broadband Europe: Final Workshop in Brussels

During the final workshop of the Broadband Europe project, participants from different member states were able to gain valuable insights into the project and discuss the content of the website. The event started with a welcome address and a presentation by Anna Krzyzanowska, Head of Unit, DG Connect, on broadband development in the European Union. She introduced the participants to European broadband policy, the Digital Agenda as well as financing instruments and regulatory developments in the broadband sector. Johannes Feldmann, Head of Operations at aconium GmbH, presented the requirements, intentions and objectives of the Broadband Europe project in his speech. He referred to the website as a Europe-wide broadband platform with the aim of collecting information on all aspects of broadband on a single platform. This was followed by an introduction to the content and functions of “Broadband Europe” by Lisa Lienert, Head of the Brussels Representative Office of aconium GmbH. She guided the participants through the Commission’s website structure and emphasized the central function of Broadband Europe in the context of the Digital Agenda for Europe. Political strategies, business models and financing instruments, technologies and the legal framework for cost reduction measures were presented. The project’s initiatives, such as a best-practice database for broadband projects and a discussion forum, were also presented. The European Broadband Award, which has established itself as a fixed date in the European Commission’s calendar due to its success in 2015, was particularly highlighted. The website experienced a peak in page views when it was presented by EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger in November. In the future, the project will focus primarily on updating existing content and strategic communication activities. After the lunch break, participants had the chance to actively participate in the workshop and discuss the content, challenges and solutions as well as the benefits and improvements of the project. A key outcome emphasized the future focus on targeted marketing and communication activities to promote Broadband Europe as the European broadband platform. A first step in the right direction has been taken with the monthly Broadband Europe newsletter . Its popularity is to be increased in the long term through targeted marketing initiatives and the intensive use of social media channels. Before a summary and conclusion of the workshop by Dr. Robert Henkel, Senior Policy Officer, DG Connect, theBroadband Competence Offices (BCOs) at European level were presented by Nicolea Ticau, Policy Officer, DG Connect. This new Commission initiative serves as a central point of contact and information for all broadband-related queries. It will also support the implementation of the Digital Single Market objectives and optimize the use of various European financial instruments.