The need to build a competitive, resilient, and truly integrated digital ecosystem in Europe was highlighted by Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy of Cyprus, as he opened the 'Future-proofing the EU's digital connectivity' conference on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) in Brussels.
Held under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the conference took place at the Council of the EU in Brussels on 18 May, in the presence of Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, and Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini, Vice-Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Minister presented a hypothetical scenario for 2032, where Europe faces an unprecedented climate emergency in Southern Europe, a combination of wildfires, extreme temperatures, and cascading power outages, while simultaneously enduring a massive cyberattack on critical infrastructure across multiple member states. He used this scenario to underscore the strategic importance of connectivity. "What will prevent a chaotic response is the next generation of connectivity and a truly digital single market," he said.
Connectivity as a strategic foundation
The Deputy Minister emphasised that connectivity is now a strategic foundation for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and technological sovereignty. "We are building the nervous system of the AI economy», he remarked, stressing that the moment is critical given the investment needs in fiber, 5G, and, in the future, 6G. Referring to Europe’s lag in connectivity, he noted that while Europe was an undisputed global leader during the 2G and 3G eras, it lost its edge during the transition to 4G and 5G, a period often described by economists as a «lost decade» for European leadership in connectivity. «We cannot afford to lose more time," he added.
Damianou pointed out that fiber-optic networks already cover nearly 80% of European households, with the goal of full coverage. However, he warned that at the current pace, the EU risks failing to meet its Digital Decade targets, and that tens of billions of euros in additional investment are required. "Without investment, there is no leadership in connectivity», he noted. «But this is not a one-time task. It requires the right legal framework, the right investment conditions, and a shared understanding of how to build networks that are competitive, resilient, and future-proof," he added.
DNA must strike a balance between investment and competition
He further highlighted that the Cyprus Presidency has prioritised the examination of the DNA proposal, with structured article-by-article discussions and workshop exchanges on critical issues such as the transition to fiber, the phasing out of copper networks, access regulation, spectrum, satellites, and the single licensing regime. "The DNA must strike a balance between investment and competition, harmonisation and flexibility, ambition and feasibility. If we succeed, the DNA will become the backbone of our competitiveness. If we fail, we risk years of legal uncertainty," he stated.
Damianou stressed that digital networks must serve citizens and businesses, ensuring high-quality connectivity and preventing digital exclusion. Particular emphasis was placed on security issues, such as secure emergency communications, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure (including submarine cables). "Trust remains essential. Without it, a resilient digital Europe cannot exist," he said.
Europe’s ability to build a connectivity ecosystem
In concluding his speech, Damianou outlined the critical questions Europe must address, such as "how do we mobilise investment at scale? How do we maintain effective competition? How do we ensure security and resilience? How do we protect users while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens?" He noted that what is at stake is not just a legal framework, but Europe’s ability to build a connectivity ecosystem that is competitive, resilient, and truly integrated.
On her part, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen focused on the need to create a unified and future-proof framework for the EU’s digital connectivity through the Digital Networks Act. Virkkunen emphasised that connectivity is no longer just about faster networks or better coverage, but is a strategic pillar for Europe’s competitiveness, innovation, and technological sovereignty. She stated that "the DNA aims to complete the EU’s digital single market for connectivity, enabling all players to invest and innovate in advanced, resilient networks at a European scale."
In her presentation, BEREC Vice-Chair Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini emphasised the critical importance of a balanced regulatory framework that supports both innovation and competition in the telecommunications sector. She also argued that the DNA must ensure that regulatory authorities have the necessary tools to promote integrated and effective solutions. "The DNA must strengthen cooperation among member states and ensure that decisions are made with the collective interest of the EU in mind, without overlooking the needs of smaller markets," she concluded.
(Source: CNA)
