The Digital Networks Act: a new regulatory framework to boost the EU connectivity
What is the Digital Networks Act?
The Digital Networks Act (“DNA”) is the EU Commission’s proposed reform of the EU framework governing electronic communications networks and services. Adopted by the EU Commission on 21 January 2026, the DNA is designed to replace and consolidate the current regulatory architecture, notably the 2018 European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), into a single, directly applicable Regulation.
The DNA promotes a modern, simplified and more harmonised legal framework capable of supporting the deployment of high-capacity digital infrastructure across the EU. By facilitating investment in advanced fibre, mobile, satellite and cloud-enabled networks, the DNA places the connectivity as a core enabler of Europe’s digital economy, including the development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other data-intensive technologies.
Context of the proposal and rationale
The proposal responds to long-standing structural challenges in the EU electronic communications sector. Despite previous harmonisation efforts, the EU market remains fragmented into 27 national regimes, limiting to operate cross-border. This fragmentation has constrained investment capacity and slowed the deployment of next-generation networks.
The EU Commission’s initiative builds on extensive policy reflection and stakeholder input, notably the 2024 White Paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?”, the 2025 Call for Evidence, and together with the Draghi and Letta reports. These assessments highlighted the urgent need for regulatory simplification, stronger investment incentives and a more integrated Single Market for connectivity.
The proposal is also shaped by the broader geopolitical and security context. Increased exposure to cyber threats, foreign interference and supply chain dependencies, as well as the need for crisis readiness, have underscored the strategic importance of resilient and secure digital infrastructure at EU level.
Objectives of the DNA
The DNA pursues three interrelated objectives:
Strengthening competitiveness and investment: The DNA aims to enhance the competitiveness of the EU connectivity sector by creating predictable and investment-friendly conditions for the rollout of advanced digital infrastructures, including fibre, 5G and future 6G networks;
Consolidating the Single Market for connectivity: The DNA seeks to facilitate cross-border provision of networks and services, by removing regulatory barriers and harmonising authorisation regimes;
Enhancing resilience and preparedness: The DNA contributes to promote cooperation, reduce strategic dependencies and reinforce the resilience of digital networks against crises, natural disasters and security threats.
Key measures and expected benefits
To achieve these objectives, the DNA introduces a series of structural reforms.
A cornerstone of the proposal is the creation of conditions for a Single Market for connectivity authorisation, including the option of a Single Passport system allowing providers to operate across the EU with notification in only one Member State. In parallel, the DNA establishes an EU-level satellite spectrum authorisation, facilitating pan-European satellite services.
The DNA also modernises spectrum management by promoting longer licence durations, default renewability of licences to enhance predictability, and wider use of spectrum sharing to ensure efficient utilisation and lower entry barriers for new providers.
To support the transition to future-proof infrastructure, the DNA introduces mandatory national transition plans for the phased switch-off of copper networks and the move to full-fibre and other advanced networks between 2030 and 2035, accompanied by safeguards to protect consumers and ensure service continuity.
From a regulatory perspective, the DNA significantly reduces administrative and compliance burdens, particularly in business-to-business relations, while maintaining a high level of consumer protection. It also introduces mechanisms to clarify the application of Open Internet rules to innovative services and establishes a voluntary cooperation framework on issues such as IP interconnection and traffic efficiency.
In terms of security, the DNA strengthens network resilience through an EU-level Preparedness Plan for Digital Infrastructures, measures to reduce dependencies in the connectivity ecosystem, and security-focused criteria for pan-European satellite communications.
Governance System
The DNA also revises the governance framework for EU connectivity regulation.
The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) will be transformed into a formal EU body, the Radio Spectrum Policy Body (RSPB), reinforcing its role in shaping spectrum policy at EU level.
The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) will remain a central actor and will be entrusted with additional responsibilities, including the development of guidelines under the Single Passport authorisation regime, measures to protect end-users against fraud, and contributions to the Union Preparedness Plan.
To reflect these expanded tasks, the current BEREC support office will be renamed the Office for Digital Networks (ODN), supporting both BEREC and the new RSPB.
Next steps
The DNA proposal will now be examined by the EU Parliament and the Council of the EU under the ordinary legislative procedure. If adopted, it will mark a significant shift in EU connectivity regulation, laying the foundations for a more integrated, resilient and competitive digital infrastructure ecosystem.
By addressing long-standing market fragmentation, accelerating the transition to advanced networks and reinforcing security and preparedness, the DNA positions connectivity as a strategic pillar of EU’s digital and economic future.
See Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act (DNA) | Shaping Europe’s digital future
For further information, please contact :
Bruno Lebrun - Partner - b.lebrun@janson.be
Wafa Lachguer – Associate - w.lachguer@janson.be