A last-gasp push by European lawmakers to have internet access established as an inalienable human right has derailed a sweeping package of telecoms reform.

The push for Europeans to have a new "right" to access the web – which would make it harder for authorities to cut off illegal file-sharers – is likely to be blocked by national capitals before it becomes law. But the move by parliamentarians on Wednesday will also shelve a much wider package of telecom legislation.