Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Grondwettelijk Hof (Belgium) lodged on 8 September 2008 — Base NV, Euphony Benelux NV, Mobistar NV, Uninet International NV, T2 Belgium NV and KPN Belgium NV v Ministerraad, other party: Belgacom NV

(Case C-389/08)

(2008/C 285/44)

Language of the case: Dutch

Referring court

Grondwettelijk Hof

Parties to the main proceedings

Applicants: Base NV, Euphony Benelux NV, Mobistar NV, Uninet International NV, T2 Belgium NV and KPN Belgium NV

Defendant: Ministerraad

Other Party: Belgacom NV

Question referred

Can Article 12 of Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services (Universal Service Directive) (1) be interpreted as allowing the competent legislature of a Member State, acting in the capacity of the national regulatory authority, to determine generally and on the basis of the calculation of the net costs of the universal service provider — previously the sole provider — that the provision of universal service may represent an ‘unfair burden’ for those undertakings designated as universal service providers?

(1)  OJ 2002 L 108, p. 51.