Cheaper overseas text messages, lower surcharges on mobile phone calls, a shake-up of the EU’s radio waves – this striking “to-do” list marks the latest quest by Viviane Reding, the EU telecoms commissioner.

She has repeatedly clashed with the industry over her regulatory efforts and while much of the Brussels machine has slowed in the final year-and-a-half of the European Commission’s mandate, Mrs Reding seems determined to make the most of her remaining term.