EU telecoms ministers have postponed a debate on a proposed pan-EU ban on unsolicited email after failing to reach a clear agreement.
The provisions, part of broad proposals on confidentiality of electronic data and communication, would harmonise laws by introducing a so-called opt-in clause, under which direct marketers could only send emails or use a customer's data after consent from the customer.
The ministers said they will reopen the debate after hearing the European Parliament's view on the proposal.
"The Parliament has not yet dealt with it," European Telecommunications Commissioner Mr Erkki Liikanen told a press conference. "As a result, we felt it was not appropriate to deal with this matter now."
Mr Maurizio Gasparri, Italy's newly appointed communications minister, said governments were divided. "I sided in favour of the opt-in because consumers' protection must be a primary issue. I think the UK's position is too relaxed," he said.
"I experience the problem of spam. Every night my line is clogged with hundreds of messages."
EU sources said the majority of EU member states were backing the opt-in system, which would create a de facto ban on spam mail within the EU.