{"id":16621,"date":"2026-09-16T12:05:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T11:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/?p=16621"},"modified":"2026-09-16T12:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T11:10:43","slug":"gsma-statement-on-state-of-the-eu-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/general\/gsma-statement-on-state-of-the-eu-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"GSMA statement on State of the EU 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Europe\u2019s ambitions for the years ahead \u2013 from sovereignty and improved competitiveness to resilience and a more urgent green transition \u2013 share one common requirement: digital connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The continent\u2019s digital networks are both a key enabler and a potential restrictor of its ability to deliver on the Commission\u2019s intentions to strengthen the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much of 2026 has been spent debating and finessing the Digital Networks Act. This must remain front of mind for the Europe\u2019s lawmakers; quite simply, it will dictate how successful the rest of the Commission\u2019s plans and aspirations for a stronger Europe can ultimately be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To regain pace with leading global connectivity markets, Europe\u2019s mobile networks need \u20ac475 billion of investment over the coming decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under current conditions, only \u20ac270 billion is forecast to be available. For all of the Commission\u2019s ambitions, closing this \u20ac205 billion investment gap is what will define the bloc\u2019s abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore a central pillar of these ambitions must be a DNA that can encourage this essential investment in Europe\u2019s digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s ambition and deliver a regulatory framework that will define the continent\u2019s digital future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s headline ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
Image source: EC – Audiovisual Service \u00a9 European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Image source: EC – Audiovisual Service \u00a9 European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

State of the EU 2026.
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