An ambitious plan for digital transformation is on EU’s table

EU’s ambition is to play a leading role globally in digital transformation and digital governance. It emphasises the importance of harmonised standards and certifications, in particular in the context of AI, cybersecurity, digital identity, data sharing mechanisms and services and common European data spaces, as well as the potential of regulatory sandboxes, to further enable and stimulate the adoption of digital technologies aligned with EU legislative requirements.

On 21 February 2024 the EU executive launched a new round of discussions on the future of digital infrastructure, paving the way for a new telecom law for the next mandate. The executive wanted to address problems with connectivity, spectrum and investment, as new technological applications require more and more data processing and storage. Based on the feedback, Member States remain sceptical about European Commission plans to overhaul telecom rules aimed at improving connectivity and network infrastructure, according to draft conclusions on a planned Digital Networks Act (DNA).

On 5 September 2024, national government representatives called upon the Commission to further analyse challenges arising from emerging technologies, consider future-proof solutions, and base its proposals on evidence. EU governments stress that the regulation of the electronic communications sector should proportionately address both supply and demand, including the affordability of consumer services. They also want the EU executive to consider other critical obstacles hindering infrastructure development, such as administrative burdens, lack of consumer demand, scarcity of construction capacities and risk of low uptake of networks in rural areas.

Their comments will be taken into account by Hungary, which is leading the EU ministerial meetings, to present a second text on 24 October 2024. The final text of the Council Conclusions is expected to be approved by Telecom Ministers at their meeting on 6 December 2024.