31 December 2025

Introduction

The EIF lunch debate examined the Digital Networks Act shortly after its publication by the European Commission. The discussion brought together Members of the European Parliament, EU institutions, regulators, industry representatives and other stakeholders to exchange initial views on the proposal. Attention was given to how the new framework could address regulatory fragmentation, investment conditions and governance of connectivity markets. The debate also explored the implications for consumers, competition and Europe’s long term connectivity objectives. The exchange marked an early step in the broader legislative discussion.

Digital Networks Act: Reforming the European Telecoms Market

Opening remarks

Pilar del Castillo MEP presented the Digital Networks Act as a response to a profound transformation of the telecommunications sector. She underlined that the proposal placed resilience and cybersecurity at its core by recognising digital networks as critical infrastructure. Particular attention was drawn to emergency obligations, coordinated preparedness measures and the creation of new governance structures. Ms del Castillo highlighted the introduction of a single authorisation regime as a concrete step to strengthen the internal market and reduce administrative burden. She also referred to spectrum reforms, the transition to fibre and continued user safeguards, stressing that Parliament must ensure the proposal delivers investment and harmonisation without increasing regulatory complexity.

Michal Kobosko MEP welcomed participants and described the discussion as timely following the publication of the proposal. He acknowledged the scale of the reform and congratulated the Commission for delivering it in a challenging policy environment. It was noted that the European Parliament would approach the file critically, identifying areas where the proposal may go too far or not far enough. He stressed the importance of balancing urgency with careful scrutiny and inclusive consultation. The value of early engagement with stakeholders was emphasised as Parliament prepares to begin its legislative work.

The Commission’s perspective

Kamila Kloc described the Digital Networks Act as an ambitious yet balanced proposal intended to strengthen resilience and advance the single market. She explained that the text focused on European rather than national market dynamics, while preserving the role of national authorities. Key elements highlighted included EU wide satellite authorisation, spectrum reforms, passporting of general authorisations and reinforced governance mechanisms. Consumer protection was presented as central to the proposal, with safeguards to ensure connectivity during the transition to fibre. She concluded by underlining that discussions with co legislators and stakeholders were essential as the legislative process moves forward.

Speakers

Marko Mišmaš stated that BEREC supported the objectives of simplification and regulatory coherence but cautioned against excessive centralisation. National market characteristics, he noted, remained significant and required sufficient regulatory flexibility. He warned that simplification should not undermine competition or end user protection, particularly in relation to the single passport regime. Support was expressed for measures on fibre rollout, consumer alignment and fraud prevention. It was confirmed that BEREC would issue a detailed opinion based on national experience.

In his speech, Alessandro Gropelli welcomed the inclusion of competitiveness and investment among the objectives of the Digital Networks Act. Positive elements were identified, notably unlimited spectrum licences and greater predictability for long term network investment. At the same time, concerns were raised about limited progress on simplification and continued regulatory overlap. He questioned the top down approach to accelerating fibre deployment and argued that market driven solutions would be more effective. The need to increase ambition during the legislative process was emphasised, particularly on level playing field issues.

Respondents

Claudio Teixeira stressed that maintaining the current level of consumer protection should remain a priority under the new framework. While the codification of essential consumer rights was welcomed, concerns were expressed that harmonisation could weaken stronger national safeguards. He underlined the close link between competition and consumer welfare in telecom markets. The potential impact of centralisation on the powers and independence of national regulators was also raised. He concluded by stressing the importance of safeguarding net neutrality in future regulatory discussions.

Laszlo Toth framed the discussion around Europe’s ambition to regain digital leadership. He acknowledged that the Digital Networks Act represented progress, particularly in the area of spectrum policy. However, questions were raised as to whether the proposal was sufficiently ambitious to support competitiveness, innovation and growth. Ongoing regulatory complexity and limited application of same services same rules principles were highlighted as concerns. He called for stronger alignment between the proposal and Europe’s strategic connectivity objectives.

Guido Lobrano welcomed the overall ambition of the proposal while pointing to areas requiring improvement. Legal complexity and an unclear scope were identified as sources of uncertainty for industry. He noted that extensive reliance on delegated acts and broad definitions could complicate implementation. Deeper single market integration was presented as necessary, beyond formal harmonisation mechanisms. He cautioned against reopening debates on network fees through new dispute settlement tools.

Luc Hindryckx emphasised that simplification should not be confused with deregulation, particularly in fixed network access markets. He stressed that ex ante regulation based on significant market power remained essential to address market failures. While stability and predictability in spectrum policy were welcomed, the importance of preserving effective access remedies was underlined. He highlighted the role of cost orientation and access to passive infrastructure, especially where public funding had been involved. Competition, he argued, remained a prerequisite for investment and digital sovereignty.

Kevin Robinson welcomed the recognition of Wi-Fi as an integral component of Europe’s connectivity ecosystem. He highlighted the role of Wi-Fi in delivering high capacity connectivity at scale for citizens and businesses. The need for clear implementation metrics and technology neutral spectrum policies was stressed. He cautioned against reserving spectrum in ways that could constrain the deployment of mature technologies already in use. Unlicensed spectrum and Wi-Fi were presented as strategic assets supporting Europe’s connectivity objectives.

Vincent Garnier welcomed the Digital Networks Act and highlighted the proposed framework for copper switch off as a particularly positive element. He noted that setting clear objectives could accelerate fibre uptake while allowing flexibility to reflect national circumstances. The importance of an orderly transition to avoid negative effects on consumers was stressed. He indicated that the framework could strengthen investment incentives and support full fibre deployment across the EU.

Charleen Roloff supported the objectives of strengthening the single market and encouraging investment in fibre and 5G. She warned that additional reporting obligations and new governance layers risked undermining simplification efforts. Concerns were raised about extending telecom specific rules to non telecom actors such as content delivery networks. She cautioned against intervention in IP interconnection markets without clear evidence of market failure. The need to preserve net neutrality and avoid unintended impacts on innovation and affordability was underlined.

A gallery of photos from the event can be viewed at this link. 

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