24.4.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L 108/33 DIRECTIVE 2002/21/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 7 March 2002 on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (%), Whereas: (1)  The current regulatory framework for telecommunications has been successful in creating the conditions  for effective = competition in  the telecommunications sector during the transition from monopoly to full competition. (20 On 10 November 1999, the Commission presented a communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled ‘Towards a new framework for electronic communications infrastructure and associated services — the 1999 communications review. In that communication, the Commission reviewed the existing regulatory framework for telecommunications, in accordance with its obligation under Article 8 of Council Directive 90/387/EEC of 28 June 1990 on the establishment of the internal market for  telecommunications  services  through  the implementation of open network provision (4). It also presented a series of policy proposals for a new regulatory framework for electronic communications infrastructure and associated services for public consultation. 3) On 26 April 2000 the Commission presented a communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the results of the public () O] C 365 E, 19.12.2000, p. 198 and O] C 270 E, 25.9.2001, p. 199. () 0] C 123, 25.4.2001, p. 56. (®) Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 March 2001 (O] C 277, 1.10.2001, p. 91), Council Common Position of 17 September 2001 (O] C 337, 30.11.2001, p. 34) and Decision of the European Parliament of 12 December 2001 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Decision of 14 February 2002. () O] L 192, 24.7.1990, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 97/51/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (O] L 295, 29.10.1997, p. 23). consultation on the 1999 communications review and orientations for the new regulatory framework. The communication summarised the public consultation and set out certain key orientations for the preparation of a new framework for electronic communications infrastructure and associated services. (4)  The Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000  highlighted the potential for  growth, competitiveness and job creation of the shift to a digital, knowledge-based economy. In particular, it emphasised the importance for Europe's businesses and citizens of access to an inexpensive, world-class communications infrastructure and a wide range of services. (5)  The convergence of the telecommunications, media and information technology sectors means all transmission networks and services should be covered by a single regulatory framework. That regulatory framework consists of this Directive and four specific Directives: Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive) (°), Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities (Access Directive) (%), Directive 2002/22[EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services (Universal Service Directive) (), Directive 97/66/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 1997 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the telecommunications sector (%), (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Specific Directives’). It is necessary to separate the regulation of transmission from the regulation of content. This framework does not therefore cover the content of services delivered over electronic communications networks using electronic communications services, such as broadcasting content, financial services and certain information society services, and is therefore without prejudice to measures taken at Community or national level in respect of such services, in compliance with Community law, in order to promote cultural and linguistic diversity and to ensure the defence of media pluralism. The content of 5 See page 21 of this Official Journal. ) (%) See page 7 of this Official Journal. (’) See page 51 of this Official Journal. ©) 8) OJ L 24, 30.1.1998, p. 1.