European telecoms, fibre and broadband organisations launch “DNA Europe” to support a mandatory and rule-based pathway from copper to fibre, and an effective competition framework.
Brussels, 12 October 2026 – Six European and national industry organisations today announced the launch of DNA Europe, a coalition advocating for an ambitious Digital Networks Act (DNA) that supports Europe’s transition from copper to fibre while preserving effective competition in the connectivity market.
The Alliance brings together ANGA, BREKO, ecta, Fibre Council Europe, the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance and VATM representing stakeholders across the fibre, broadband and telecommunications sectors.
DNA Europe supports the Commission’s vision for Europe’s connectivity infrastructure and its transition to fibre. It will focus on two priorities: a mandatory, transparent and rule-based pathway from copper to fibre in order to grant planning certainty for all market players, and an effective pro-competitive framework in which National Regulatory Authorities retain the full toolbox and sufficient flexibility needed to impose effective, market specific and proportionate remedies on operators with significant market power, preventing anti-competitive behaviour and supporting end-user choice - through a variety of providers, products and services-, innovation and efficient investment by all market players.
“Investors need a long-lasting perspective to invest further in Europe’s fibre infrastructure. European policymakers in the European Parliament and the Council should give those two clear signals. Without, the laggards amongst the 27 Member States won’t catch-up!” – Sascha Brok, Managing Director, ANGA
“Europe’s competitiveness depends on high-performance digital infrastructure. Alternative network operators are responsible for a significant share of Europe’s fibre deployment, and their contribution is essential to achieving Europe’s connectivity ambitions. Maintaining this momentum requires investment certainty, supported by a clear, predictable and rule-based pathway from copper to fibre.” – Sven Knapp, Board Member, BREKO
“Competition is not only essential for end-users; it is a fundamental prerequisite for Europe’s global competitiveness. It drives innovation, investment and the advanced connectivity Europe needs to thrive in the digital economy. We therefore welcome the launch of DNA Europe and its focus on two essential priorities: a clear and predictable pathway for copper switch-off and a strong framework that supports vibrant competition.” - Luc Hindryckx, Director General, ecta
“Fibre Council Europe supports the objectives of DNA Europe Alliance. Bringing fibre to every business and citizen everywhere in Europe requires a regulatory framework which incentivises investment, fosters effective competition and accelerates copper switch off.” – Vincent Garnier, Director General, Fibre Council Europe
“We are keen to ensure that Europe has the right conditions to take the next step in its digitalisation, and high-capacity fibre infrastructure is a fundamental part of this. Sweden’s experience shows that successful fibre deployment has not been driven by one single factor. The early phase-out of copper networks, strong local and municipal actors, and political leaders willing to make long-term infrastructure decisions have all contributed to creating the conditions for today’s high level of fibre connectivity.” – Elin Bertilsson, CEO, Swedish Local Fibre Aliance
“The transition from copper to fibre must follow a clear pathway, based on transparent, objective and non-discriminatory rules. A coordinated migration mechanism is essential to ensure appropriate access conditions and give all market players the confidence to invest in new infrastructure. The Digital Networks Act is right to put the focus where it belongs: not on cementing existing market dominance, but on investment, competition and a reliable transition to the gigabit era. This requires a pro-competitive, market-power-based and innovation-friendly framework, with clear rules for the copper switch-off and effective tools for National Regulatory Authorities to safeguard competition, investment and end-user choice.” – Dr. Frederic Ufer, Managing Director, VATM
The Alliance’s full Mission Statement is available here.
Download the pdf version here
The Alliance’s full Mission Statement is available here.
Download ecta‘s high level position on the DNA here
* * *
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. |
The European Competitive Telecommunications Association AISBL
Rue de Trèves 49-51, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
E
Registered in Belgium Company No.0679.888.440
Transparency Register ID: 24627752238-32
RPM Brussels
