Ref. Ares(2018)3950640 - 25/07/2018
Ref. Ares(2018)4046685 - 31/07/2018
EN
E-003051/2018
Answer given by Ms Gabriel
on behalf of the Commission
([23.07.2018])
Together with geographical distribution, the "first come, first served" principle is required by
Article 2(6) of Regulation (EU) No 2017/1953 of the European Parliament and of the
Council1, which underpins the WiFi4EU scheme.
The reasons for cancelling the first "pilot" call in May 2018 relate to a design flaw in the
development of the IT system by the Commission's contractor2. The European Commission
attaches the greatest importance to the fairness and the reliability of its competition
procedures and it is committed to ensure that the next call in the autumn 2018 will provide an
equal treatment of all applicants in the practical implementation of the first come first served
principle.
1
Regulation (EU) 2017/1953 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2017 as
regards the promotion of internet connectivity in local communities; OJEU L.286 of 01.11.2017, p. 1–8.
2
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-18-4158_en.htm