European Commission unveils new initiatives for digital infrastructures

The European Commission has unveiled a digital connectivity package aimed at boosting innovation, security, and resilience of digital infrastructures in Europe. The package addresses the challenges faced by Europe in rolling out future connectivity networks and emphasises the importance of advanced digital network infrastructures for the continent’s economic competitiveness. These infrastructures are crucial for the deployment of technologies such as telemedicine, automated driving, precision agriculture, and others.

The package includes a White Paper that analyses the existing challenges and presents potential scenarios to attract investments, foster innovation, enhance security, and establish a genuine Digital Single Market. It also recommends improving the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructures through better coordination and funding at the national and EU levels.

To encourage collaboration and advance integrated connectivity and collaborative computing infrastructures, the Commission proposes the creation of a ‘Connected Collaborative Computing Network’, also known as the ‘3C Network.’ This network would facilitate the development of end-to-end integrated infrastructures and platforms for telco cloud and edge, enabling the orchestration of innovative technologies and AI applications for various use cases.

The package also highlights the need to leverage synergies between existing initiatives and funding programs. The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) could play a coordinating role in supporting the creation of a collaborative connectivity and computing ecosystem.

In terms of the telecoms market, the Commission aims to ensure a level playing field in the digital single market. It suggests rethinking the current regulatory framework to account for the convergence between telecoms and cloud technologies. This could involve harmonizing authorisation procedures for telecom operators, adopting a more integrated governance approach for spectrum at the Union level, and potentially introducing changes in wholesale access policy.

Protecting Europe’s network and computing infrastructure is also a priority, given its essential role in economic security. The Commission proposes incentivising the deployment, security, and resilience of strategic submarine cable infrastructures. This may include exploring the possibility of a joint EU governance system and reviewing available instruments to leverage private investments for Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs).

Immediate actions include improving coordination within the EU, assessing and mitigating security risks, establishing a Cable Security Toolbox, and streamlining permit granting procedures. The Commission also plans to create the Submarine Cable Infrastructure Expert Group consisting of authorities from member states to support the follow-up of the recommendations.

To gather input and engage stakeholders, the Commission has launched a public consultation on the 12 scenarios outlined in the White Paper. The consultation aims to shape future policy actions based on the feedback received. The consultation will close on 30 June 2024.