Being a clear political victory for those advocating free access to the internet the liberals cracked open the duopoly of Socialists and Conservatives in the European Parliament.

Thereby, the parliamentary majority blocked a wide-ranging reform of EU telecoms rules by rejecting an earlier compromise with member states over the protection of Internet users' rights. The rejection came in response to a draft French anti-piracy bill, which had caused uproar among MEPs and consumer groups.

Liberal co-rapporteur Alexander Alvaro (FDP) said "Internet users must not be denied access to what is today one of their main sources of information and social interaction.

Being the 3^rd largest force in the Parliament the Liberals prove yet again their ability to stamp their mark on a policy area that is distinctively liberal: the safeguarding of individual freedoms.

If you are interested in the background note of the telecom package, click here.