Monday 6 July, 2026
As AI becomes the backbone of next-generation connectivity, its successful integration into electronic communications networks (ECN) will determine Europe’s ability to lead in innovation, competitiveness, and digital sovereignty.
Europe stands at a critical juncture in shaping the future of AI regulation. As AI becomes integral to next-generation connectivity, the EU must ensure that its regulatory framework supports innovation while safeguarding competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
In this context, the GSMA and Connect Europe, representing the European telecommunications sector, welcome the European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Omnibus on AI rules as a positive first step towards ensuring the effective implementation of the AI Act, while supporting the Commission’s goals of competitiveness and simplification. We believe several proposals rightly contribute to the simplification objective including the changes proposed to the literacy obligations or the (non) registration of non-high risk AI use cases.
However, for this proposal to succeed, several considerations must be addressed. We call for further simplification of the implementation deadlines for high-risk AI provisions and a swift adoption of the proposal to grant legal certainty to stakeholders.
The GSMA and Connect Europe call on policymakers to deliver clarity, proportionality, and realistic timelines to enable compliance and foster growth. Without decisive action, fragmented deadlines and legal uncertainty risk slowing progress and undermining Europe’s ambition to lead in AI-driven transformation.
