Overview
The file concerns the proposed "Digital Networks Act," a legislative initiative under the ordinary legislative procedure (2026/0013(COD)). The proposal, currently in the preparatory phase in the European Parliament at first reading, aims to reform the EU’s electronic communications framework to establish a single market for digital networks. According to the Council document (ST 5600 2026 ADD 5), the Regulation would amend and repeal several existing acts, including the European Electronic Communications Code. Key measures include setting a conditional EU-wide copper network switch-off by 2030, reforming spectrum policy to mandate pro-investment rules and longer licenses, introducing a single "passport" authorisation for cross-border services, and establishing an EU authorisation for satellite spectrum. The policy area is the digital single market and telecommunications, with objectives centred on boosting investment, innovation, competitiveness, connectivity, security, and market integration.
Legislative timeline
The procedure is ongoing, with the current status being the preparatory phase in Parliament at first reading. No specific upcoming calendar events are indicated in the provided data.
Institutional handling
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CNECT) is responsible for the proposal, under Commissioner Henna Virkkunen. In the Council, the file is handled by the Competitiveness Council (COMPET).
Stakeholder reactions
Stakeholder engagement has been substantial, with 248 recorded meetings (147 with Members of the European Parliament, 44 with Commissioners, and 57 with European Commission staff), involving 138 distinct organisations. The most active organisations in these interactions include Telefonica, S.A., FiberCop SpA, Deutsche Telekom, GSMA Europe, and BOUYGUES EUROPE.
On specific policy topics, stakeholder positions vary. Regarding EU rules on digital competition, Connect Europe and the Association of European Radios oppose certain aspects, while Spotify supports platforms’ self-regulation. On artificial intelligence, BEUC and Verisure express opposition to potential deregulation, whereas Spotify and Grindr support incentivising AI use. Concerning 5G, both Connect Europe and Investor AB support more incentives for deployment.
Media coverage
Five news articles from four countries (Brussels, Germany, Romania, Spain) are noted. One article reports that Europe seeks to strengthen its digital backbone through risk-based sovereignty and closer international cooperation, citing Vodafone’s promotion of alliances with trusted partners. Other coverage focuses on national debates, such as Germany’s SPD pushing for rapid legislation on a social-media ban for under-14s, aligning with the CDU’s stance, and noting that EU considerations add a broader dimension. Another article details the CDU’s plan to impose a 14-year age limit for social networks and harmonise EU age standards, with SPD support increasing the likelihood of federal legislation.