The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s (EC) proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA). The proposal aims to enhance harmonisation and competitiveness for advanced networks in Europe, to strengthen our single market for connectivity and support digital services in the Union.

BEREC stands ready to provide its expertise and advice throughout the forthcoming legislative process, and will continue its long-standing engagement with all relevant parties as discussions progress.

The DNA proposal represents a major transition aimed at ensuring that the EU regulatory framework remains fit-for-purpose in light of technical and market developments, as well as evolving policy objectives. The proposal consolidates sector-specific legislation currently set out, inter alia, in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the BEREC Regulation, the Open Internet Regulation, the ePrivacy Directive and the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme. BEREC welcomes this approach, as it supports a more coherent regulatory environment for the deployment of advanced digital networks across the European Union.

The Regulation introduces new provisions intended to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience by facilitating the transition to fibre, high-quality 5G and future network technologies, while preserving effective competition. The proposal aims to make the regulatory framework clearer and more future-proof, while supporting inclusive connectivity for citizens, businesses and public services, along with the established objectives of ubiquitous connectivity, competition, the internal market and end-user welfare. In this regard, BEREC shares the Commission’s assessment that the core principles of the EECC, in particular ex- ante market regulation, should be maintained where market failures persist. This approach ensures regulatory predictability and safeguards end users’ welfare and rights, which should never be overlooked.

BEREC ‘s view is that the future regulatory framework must effectively respond to both current and emerging technological and market developments, including digitalisation, the virtualisation of network functions, the integration of cloud solutions into networks and the need to strengthen security and resilience.

BEREC will conduct a thorough examination of the EC’s proposals and will remain at the legislators' disposal, ready to provide advice and support, where necessary.

Upcoming events featuring DNA-related discussion

BEREC will be actively engaged in a wide range of upcoming events where the DNA proposal will be discussed with different stakeholders. On 31 March 2026, BEREC will hold its annual Stakeholder Forum. Keynote speakers and panellists will discuss the evolution of the regulatory framework in light of the DNA proposal, EU initiatives supporting European technological development, and ways to provide incentives to innovate and invest in connectivity. To frame this discussion, we are honoured to welcome Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, who will deliver a keynote address. This signature event will also feature the traditional informal Meet&Greet sessions with the Working Group Co-Chairs.

In the first quarter of 2026, BEREC plans to hold a public workshop on the migration to fibre-optic networks and copper switch-off, a key topic addressed by the DNA legislative proposal. The workshop will bring together stakeholders to discuss key challenges, including maintaining competitive dynamics in the market after the switch-off, addressing the needs of vulnerable or hesitant end-users, and reviewing relevant proposals related to migration and switch-off provisions in the DNA. Further information on the date and format of the workshop will be provided in due course.

Note to Editor

BEREC promotes openness and transparency in its communications and is available for any further questions that you might have. If there are any other topics related to electronic communications that you would like to explore, we would be happy to assist you in any way we can. Contact us: [email protected].