23 October 2025

BEREC Office Director welcomes European Commission Executive Vice-President, Ms. Henna Virkkunen

The image shows Henna Virkkunen (Executive Vice-President of the European Commission), BEREC Chair Robert Mourik (ComReg, Ireland), incoming BEREC Chair 2026 Marko Mismas (AKOS, Slovenia), and BEREC Office Director Verena Weber.

BEREC Office hosted Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, at its premises in Riga, Latvia, on 23 October 2025. The occasion marked an important milestone in the BEREC Offices’ commitment to provide all necessary professional and administrative support to BEREC in the fulfilment of its mission to ensure the consistent implementation of the European regulatory framework for electronic communications.

The high-level visit included a meeting with BEREC Chair Robert Mourik (ComReg, Ireland), BEREC Chair for 2026, Marko Mišmaš (AKOS, Slovenia), and the BEREC Office Director, Verena Weber. Together with the Executive Vice-President, they discussed the importance that regulation remains fit for purpose keeping pace with the market and technological developments to come, including ensuring BEREC Office is equipped to support BEREC’s mandate.

“I am happy I had the opportunity to visit the BEREC Office in Riga and to meet some of the talented team members who are dedicated to supporting BEREC in achieving its mandate set by the co-legislators. As we enter a new phase of telecoms regulation, BEREC´s collective expertise will contribute to the advancement of Europe’s digital connectivity targets.”
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen

During the meeting the BEREC Chair Robert Mourik underlined the crucial role BEREC has played over the past 15 years by highlighting how BEREC members have a depth of experience and expertise that may ensure a seamless transition to new regulatory approaches covering the interplay between telecoms, digital, and relevant adjacent spaces.

“Our independence, impartiality, and expertise, means we are best placed for new institutional responsibilities that strengthen the internal market in terms of innovation, resilience, and benefits to end-users.”
BEREC Chair Robert Mourik (ComReg, Ireland)

Incoming Chair Marko Mismas also introduced the Executive Vice-President to BEREC’s proposed work programme for the coming year, emphasising BEREC’s willingness to address future challenges including simplification of regulation.

“BEREC is ready, based on the experience of its members, to examine areas where simplification may be pursued to make legislation leaner and more effective for stakeholders to comply with and to benefit the market.”
Incoming BEREC Chair 2026 Marko Mismas (AKOS, Slovenia)

Verena Weber, BEREC Office Director, thanked Chairs and the Executive Vice-President for visiting the office and underscored that the BEREC Office team is dedicated to supporting BEREC and undertaking any new responsibilities that may come with the updated framework.

“We stand ready to support BEREC in fulfilling its current and potentially extended mandate under the new regulatory framework. Our Agency remains committed to delivering the professional and administrative support required to help BEREC facilitate Europe’s digital future.”
BEREC Office Director Verena Weber