The European Council formally approved rules that aim to end roaming charges in the EU by mid-2017, as well as safeguard internet access.

The original agreement enshrined net neutrality into EU law for the first time. Users will be free to access the internet, without being unfairly blocked or slowed down, and paid prioritisation is not allowed.

“The council’s position at first reading was adopted without discussion at a meeting of the Competitiveness Council”, said the announcement. Approval by the council was expected, following a period of extensive discussion on the proposed legislation.

The European Parliament is also expected to adopt the same text at a plenary session in late October. This will mark the end of the procedure at second reading.

Finally, a new set of telecoms rules for the EU is in sight. The regulation will enter into force after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal. This is expected to happen in November.

Formal approval by the European Council follows a compromise reached in late June between the council, European Commission and European Parliament, following sometimes fraught negotiation.