Neelie Kroes

Hungary's prime minister on Oct. 31 scrapped plans to introduce an Internet tax that had sparked major demonstrations and further concerns about civil liberties in the central European EU member state.

Hungary could become the world's first country to levy usage of the Internet after its Economy Minister Mihály Varga proposed the move on Wednesday.

A fee of HUF 150 (EUR 0.48) will be imposed on providers for each 1GB of Internet data if the plans are approved.

The measure is not envisaged to affect the consumer, but could possibly push providers to announce bill hikes.

Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva will most likely get the taxation and anti-fraud portfolio in the new European Commission, according to an exclusive report of the EurActiv website. 

Turkey has begun hosting the ninth annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, a United Nations-mandated organization, despite a number of recent controversies regarding the country's Internet freedom record.

Speaking at the event Sept. 2, Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication Lütfi Elvan focused mainly on the issues of “cybercrimes.”

The Greek government and members of the country’s ICT industry were due to sign a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to help young people and potential entrepreneurs.

European Parliament voted Thursday to scrap mobile roaming fees charged while using a phone abroad.

After MEPs approved the measure with an overwhelming majority (534 to 25 votes), making a call or using the Internet in another EU country will cost as much as it does at home.

Scrapping of roaming fees comes into force on December 15, 2015.