Brussels, 21 January 2026: ecta acknowledges the publication of the European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA) and appreciates the Commission’s efforts to develop a forward-looking framework for electronic communications networks and services in the European Union.
ecta recognises the Commission’s stated objectives of enhancing Europe’s digital sovereignty, network security and economic competitiveness, which are important considerations in the current geopolitical and technological environment.
ecta observes that the proposal signals a shift away from the inappropriate deregulation narratives of the past several years. In this context, ecta welcomes Executive Vice-President Virkkunen’s affirmation during today’s press conference that ex-ante access regulation will remain in place where needed to ensure competition and address market failures. ecta will nevertheless assess whether the Commission’s proposal effectively safeguards the competitive landscape that has driven Europe's connectivity and innovation.
ecta maintains that Europe’s long-term competitiveness requires a vibrant, diverse and innovation-driven, telecommunications ecosystem. Ensuring a broad range of market participants of all sizes and encouraging a wide variety of products and services is vital to empowering the entire European economy and unleashing its digital potential.
Effective and sustainable competition among network operators and service providers is therefore not at odds with Europe’s competitive ambitions, but the foundation for innovation, long-term investment incentives and meaningful choice for end-users.
In this context, maintaining a robust ex-ante regulatory regime remains indispensable. A regime anchored on the three-criteria test, the Commission’s Recommendation on relevant markets, the designation of operators with Significant Market Power, the application of appropriate remedies, and effective enforcement by independent national regulators is vital to ensuring effective competition, enabling market entry and innovation, and underpinning the long-term competitiveness of Europe’s digital ecosystem.
Commenting on the Commission’s proposal, Luc Hindryckx, Director General of ecta, said:
“As we analyse the text in detail, ecta will scrutinise whether the new framework effectively protects the competitive fabric that has driven Europe’s connectivity and innovation for decades. Without strong competition, Europe risks a digital future with fewer choices, weaker investment and slower innovation. This is why a solid ex‑ante regulatory regime remains essential to protecting Europe’s connectivity, competitiveness and digital leadership”
ecta looks forward to engaging constructively with the European Parliament and the Council during the legislative process to ensure that the final legislative framework strengthens effective and sustainable competition, supports Europe’s digital ambitions and is the engine that fuels innovation, investment and user choice. To this end, ecta will assess the text in detail and, where appropriate, submit amendments during the legislative process, as certain provisions remain unclear and/or raise potential concerns.
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ecta members are united in their belief that an inclusive electronic communications sector, embracing a multitude of participants, both large and small, and nurturing a diverse array of products and services, is essential to empower the entire European economy and unleash its innovative potential in the digital realm. In other words, diversity in telecoms is essential to guarantee Europe’s Competitiveness. This is the key message that ecta and its members continuously promote.
| For further information on the contents of this press release and ecta’s positions, please contact:
Luc Hindryckx, Director General, +32 472 35 06 54 |
| ecta, the european competitive telecommunications association (www.ectaportal.com), represents those alternative operators who, relying on the pro-competitive EU legal framework that has created a free market for electronic communications, have helped overcome national monopolies to give EU citizens, businesses and public administrations quality and choice at affordable prices. ecta represents at large those operators who are driving the development of an accessible Gigabit society, who represent significant investments in fixed, mobile and fixed wireless access networks that qualify as Very High Capacity Networks and who demonstrate unique innovation capabilities. |
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