The objective of the dinner debate is to make an assessment of the broadband situation in Europe and discussing the way forward.

Through an international view and European testimonials, the session aims at identifying successful practices as well as needed improvements. The debate should also help detect new investment priorities. The speakers’ insights will be followed by comments from the Committee of the Regions and the European Commission and by an interaction with the audience.

• Programme - 15th October 2013

  Welcome and introduction:

  Edit Herczog, MEP and EIF Governor

  Speakers:

  Karim Lesina, Vice President, International External Affairs EU, Caribbean, Central and Latin America, Trans-Atlantic Relations at AT&T

  Vittorio Vallero, Deputy Coordinator, Infrastructures and Access, Digital Agenda for Region Piedmont, Italy 

  Michael Garvey, Vice Chair of Buckinghamshire Business First, representing Digital Business First

  Comments by:

  Gábor Bihary, Committee of the Regions 

  Stefan Zotti, Cabinet of Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy 

  Anthony Whelan, acting director for Electronic Communications Networks and Services (Directorate B), DG CONNECT, European Commission

  Exchange of views with participants