Dear Colleagues, 

Last week, the European Commission published a White Paper on “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?”: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/white-paper-how-master-europes-digital-infrastructure-needs

A public consultation is open and running until 30 June 2024: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14168-How-to-master-Europes-digital-infrastructure-needs?_en

The White Paper highlights some challenges and opportunities for the rollout of future connectivity networks and presents possible scenarios. Main takeaways and key objectives the European Commission is pushing forward through this initiative include:

• Making the telecom sector more attractive for investors and address “investments needs” for the deployment of future networks;

• Improving harmonisation of spectrum authorisation procedures and reduce administrative burdens across EU member states; 

• Suggesting a revision of the European Electronic Communications Code (EESC) while seeking ways to reduce market fragmentation; 

• Enhancing the resilience and security of telecom networks in Europe, notably through a “de-risking approach” to subsea cables.

In addition, the Commission plans to release a recommendation regarding subsea cables soon. These initiatives set the scene for conversations on the future of telecom networks in the context of upcoming EU elections and will influence the agenda-setting process for the next mandate.

All the best

Romain