An event dedicated to the Spanish presidency of the European Union
The ambition to build a Competitive, Digital and Green Europe is intertwined with the Spanish Presidency’s programme, leading Europe in this crucial time at the end of the current political mandate and before the 2024 elections.
So much of Europe’s competitiveness, innovation potential and strategic autonomy objectives depend on leadership in telecom networks and services. It is therefore the right time to assess how Europe can secure the connectivity needs of its citizens and businesses for today and tomorrow, enabling a robust digital and green future for all.
On 18 September, the GSMA invites you to an evening dedicated to the future of connectivity, discussing how Europe can regain global digital leadership. We will hear from EU policymakers and industry leaders on their vision for a strong digital continent, followed by POLITICO Live’s Spotlight “Connecting the Future: Unleashing Europe’s Telecoms Single Market Potential”.
Programme
16:30-17:15 | Building a Competitive, Digital and Green Europe
Opening remarks by Daniel Pataki, Vice President, Policy and Regulation & Head of Europe, GSMA
Keynotes by Dr. Marcos Alonso Alonso, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Union
José María Álvarez-Pallete López, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica and GSMA Board Chair
17:15-17:45 | Break
17:45-18:45 | POLITICO Spotlight Event “Connecting the Future: Unleashing Europe’s Telecoms Single Market Potential”
Connectivity is an essential part of Europe’s lives and economy. Society relies on it for communication, entertainment, and commerce; and Europe’s digital leadership is dependent on its networks and connectivity infrastructure. However, the market is still fragmented and at least €174 billion is the investment needed for the bloc to hit its digital targets by 2030.
This session will include:
Welcome remarks by Mathieu Pollet, Technology Reporter, POLITICO
Opening remark by John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
Panel discussion including Q&A with panelists:
- Dominique Leroy, Member of the Board of Management, Deutsche Telekom AG
- Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director General, DG Connect, European Commission
- Ursula Pachl, Deputy Director General, the European Consumer Organisation, BEUC
- MEP Andreas Schwab (Germany, EPP)