Today more than ever, Europe must stay connected. The pandemic crisis has confirmed the vital role that our advanced communication networks play in keeping us all connected whether teleworking, studying, governing or tracking contagion. This critical infrastructure also provides the foundation for strong recovery as we transition to 5G. The European Commission has proposed its €750 billion “Next Generation EU” package to relaunch the economy of which 20% will be directly invested in digital including 5G recovery funds.

A study reveals that 5G as an open and flexible innovation platform will generate €210 billion in benefits to the European economy without counting the benefits to social inclusion and the environment. A follow-up report focuses on 5G investment and coverage per market in Europe.

The event will explore the opportunities offered by 5G to upgrade our critical communications infrastructure as well as rebuild and strengthen our economies and societies in the direction of a sustainable digital future.

• Programme

  Opening remarks

  Ivan Štefanec MEP and EIF Programming Committee Co-Chair

  Speakers

  Janette Stewart, Senior spectrum expert, Analysys Mason

  Stefan Schnorr, Director-General for Digital and Innovation Policy, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Germany)

  Rita Wezenbeek, Director Connectivity, DG CONNECT, European Commission

  Jakob Bluestone, Head of Telecoms Equity Research, Credit Suisse

  Daniel Pataki, Vice President for Policy and Regulation & Head of Europe, Russia and CIS, GSMA

  Moderator

  Maria Rosa Gibellini, Director General, European Internet Forum

  Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rule