DNA of Europe’s digital future: EU Commission unveils landmark networks regulation

At a time when the EU’s competitiveness in the communication and technology sectors is being questioned due to heavy regulation, the EU Commission’s recent proposal for a regulation on digital networks (Digital Networks Act or DNA) aims to create a directly applicable EU-wide framework for electronic communications networks and services (including fixed, mobile and satellite) to simplify rules, reduce fragmentation, and enable more cross-border scale, while simultaneously updating the framework to reflect convergence with cloud/edge computing and AI.

The DNA will replace and merge key parts of the existing connectivity framework, including the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Regulation, the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP), parts of the Open Internet Regulation (OIR), and parts of the ePrivacy Directive, into a single and directly applicable regulation.

The key structural pillars of the DNA will be:

1. Resilience and crisis preparedness

The DNA creates obligations for electronic communications networks and digital infrastructures to ensure availability during major crises, including emergency communications and public warnings. As part of this, BEREC will develop its “Union Preparedness Plan for Digital Infrastructures” report, which covers network architecture assessment, operational recommendations, and crisis management practices.

2. Single market authorisation and “single passport”

The DNA introduces a streamlined cross-border authorisation system that allows providers to operate across multiple or all Member States based on a single confirmation from one national regulatory authority. In doing so, this eliminates the need for separate authorisations in each Member State, thus reducing administrative costs and compliance burden.

3. Spectrum, numbering and satellite authorization

The DNA establishes harmonised rules for spectrum and numbering as strategic public resources, with stronger cross-border coordination and EU-wide procedures. It creates an EU-level authorisation regime specifically for satellite networks and services, replacing the need to seek authorisation in all 27 Member States.

4. Copper to fibre transition and market competition

The DNA requires Member States to develop national plans for switching off copper networks by 31 December 2035 in areas with 95% fibre coverage and affordable retail services. After 2035, copper networks will be prohibited in all remaining areas with limited exceptions.

5. Services and end-user protection

The DNA modernises universal service to ensure affordable adequate internet access and voice communications services at fixed locations, with BEREC guidance on defining “adequate” connectivity. It also aims to preserve net neutrality by codifying rights to access and distribute content freely, with strict obligations on network operators.

6. Governance reform

The DNA strengthens EU-level governance by upgrading BEREC and creating the Radio Spectrum Policy Body (RSPB). It also establishes the Office for Digital Networks (ODN) to support both BEREC and the RSPB, improving coordination on network and spectrum management.

7. Information and enforcement

The DNA finally provides harmonised rules for information gathering, publication, consultation, and transparency. It includes standardisation tools, dispute resolution mechanisms, and enforcement powers with penalties to ensure compliance across Member States.

The DNA is not intended to be a mere regulatory reform, its objective is to be the EU’s strategic response to technological transformation and geopolitical necessity. It will provide the legal architecture necessary for the EU to achieve digital sovereignty while fostering competition and innovation. For the industries concerned, the message is clear: those who embrace the harmonised framework, invest in resilient next-generation infrastructure, and leverage the opportunities of the single market will emerge as the architects of Europe’s digital future. Those who fail to do so risk obsolescence in an ecosystem increasingly defined by scale, innovation, and strategic resilience. The Digital Networks Act is presented as Europe’s commitment to ensuring that its connectivity infrastructure is the foundation for economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and societal resilience in the coming decades.