EU members raise concerns over the Digital Networks Act
Fresh resistance emerged around the Digital Networks Act as governments, consumer advocates, and the EU’s own watchdog questioned its readiness and its impact on telecom markets.
Six EU member states urged the Union to reconsider the direction of the Digital Networks Act by asking for greater room for national decision-making.
Their joint position emphasised the wish to retain authority over frequency management and questioned proposals that could expand telecom rules into the digital services sector.
An intervention that followed previous debates at the ministerial level, where governments signalled reluctance to introduce new interconnection measures and stressed the need to consider the specific roles of different actors across the value chain instead of applying a single regulatory model to all.
Consumer groups and business organisations voiced further doubts as plans for network fees resurfaced in recent discussions. They argued that earlier consultations had already shown major risks for competition, innovation, and net neutrality, making renewed consideration unnecessary.
The US–EU trade agreement added another layer by including a clause that commits the EU to avoid such fees, leaving open how the Commission will balance domestic expectations with international obligations.
The Digital Networks Act faced an additional setback when the EU’s Regulatory Scrutiny Board delivered a negative opinion about its preparedness. That view disrupted earlier hopes of releasing a draft before the end of the year.
Even so, the Commission is expected to present an updated proposal in January 2026, setting the stage for one of the most difficult legislative debates of the coming year.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!