On 20 August 2024, the BEREC Chair, Tonko Obuljen (HAKOM, Croatia), addressed the pivotal role of regulation in securing European electronic communications, alongside robust cybersecurity and resilience in Europe’s telecommunications infrastructures and networks, at the Salzburg Telecoms Forum. The event’s theme was ‘Secure electronic communications at the crossroads of technology and the law’.

During the forum, the BEREC Chair informed the audience that this year, BEREC was delving deeper into the implications that emerging technologies – including cloudification, softwarisation, 6G, quantum computing, Open RAN and AI-driven tools – have on the security of European networks and services. European regulators are actively working to mitigate the potential risks associated with these advancements, focusing on their impact on network resilience. In this context, BEREC is also evaluating new security and safety solutions implemented by national regulatory authorities and operators to identify and share best practices and valuable experiences across the sector.

Furthermore, BEREC is collaborating closely with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to strengthen efforts in tackling cybersecurity challenges, ensuring that electronic communications remain secure and resilient against emerging threats.

About the Forum

The yearly forum is designed as a platform for dialogue amongst stakeholders, from government and regulatory officials to industry practitioners and independent experts. It is organised by the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR), the University of Salzburg and the European Commission's DG Connect.