Europe’s ambitions for the years ahead – from sovereignty and improved competitiveness to resilience and a more urgent green transition – share one common requirement: digital connectivity.
The continent’s digital networks are both a key enabler and a potential restrictor of its ability to deliver on the Commission’s intentions to strengthen the EU.
Much of 2026 has been spent debating and finessing the Digital Networks Act. This must remain front of mind for the Europe’s lawmakers; quite simply, it will dictate how successful the rest of the Commission’s plans and aspirations for a stronger Europe can ultimately be.
To regain pace with leading global connectivity markets, Europe’s mobile networks need €475 billion of investment over the coming decade.
Under current conditions, only €270 billion is forecast to be available. For all of the Commission’s ambitions, closing this €205 billion investment gap is what will define the bloc’s abilities.
Therefore a central pillar of these ambitions must be a DNA that can encourage this essential investment in Europe’s digital infrastructure.
In particular, the simplification of the regulatory framework, a more forward-looking approach to the Open Internet rules, and the inclusion of a mandatory dispute-resolution mechanism must all be prioritised in the final draft. These, along with the retention of the intended unifying spectrum measures, will help Europe’s digital players gain the longer-term certainty and clarity that in turn can unlock increased investment. The European Parliament and Member States now must continue to strengthen the DNA’s ambition and deliver a regulatory framework that will define the continent’s digital future.
Europe’s mobile sector recognises and relishes the critical role it has to play in supporting citizens and businesses in the digital era, and in ensuring the continent remains secure, resilient, innovative, competitive, and sustainable. EU lawmakers must understand that without a best-in-class digital ecosystem, progress will be limited.
The focus for the months and years ahead must therefore be on improving digital infrastructure and on nurturing a pro-investment environment to ensure the foundations are in place to support Europe’s headline ambitions.
Image source: EC – Audiovisual Service © European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0