Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act (DNA)

Background

The Digital Networks Act (DNA) proposal was adopted by the European Commission in January 2026 and aims to modernise the legal framework for connectivity to boost innovation and investment in an advanced and resilient digital infrastructure. The end goal is for the European Union to become the most connected continent by 2030.

The proposal for a Regulation on Digital Networks Act (DNA) merges several legal acts into one directly applicable regulation, replacing the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the BEREC Regulation, the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme and the core parts of the Open Internet Regulation as well as Directive 2002/58/EC (ePrivacy Directive). The proposal also complements the Gigabit Infrastructure Act.

Needless to say, connectivity is crucial for the digital transformation, whose end goal is universal gigabit broadband and 5G in populated areas by 2030.

Robust, fast, and secure networks enable digital skills development, business innovation (for example Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud), essential e-government and health services. They also make it possible to close the digital divide, ensuring inclusive participation and competitiveness across the European Union.

However, connectivity is not just access, it is also about real-time data exchange, which is vital for the European Union to be able to achieve its broader digital goals and to support a truly connected and prosperous society.

Many strategic analyses, including the Letta, Draghi and Niinistö reports, and the Commission Communication A Competitiveness Compass for the EU emphasise that a cutting-edge digital network infrastructure is key for the future competitiveness of the EU economy, security and social welfare.

Therefore, the availability of high-quality, reliable and secure connectivity for end users and key economic sectors is a must.

Key points

The EESC:

• considers that a regulation as the legal instrument for the DNA is the appropriate choice for the purposes of removing internal market barriers and ensuring uniform rules;
• calls for a clear allocation of competences between the Office for Digital Networks (ODN), the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), the Radio Spectrum Policy Body (RSPB) and the national regulatory authorities (NRAs), avoiding overlaps and institutional duplication; 
• welcomes the systemic approach of the DNA to authorisation, spectrum, copper switch‑off and governance as a coherent internal‑market strategy;
• supports strong, updated and fully harmonised end‑user rights and calls for minimum quality‑of‑service standards; 
• recommends explicitly excluding regulatory ‘fair‑share’ schemes imposing mandatory payments by large content providers based on traffic volumes or origin;
• welcomes the DNA’s framework for transitioning from copper to fibre and considers it key for a secure and competitive single market.

Additional information

Section: Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN)

Opinion number: TEN/879

Opinion type: Mandatory

Referral: COM(2026) 16 final 2026/0013 COD COM(2026) 16 final 2026/0013 COD

Rapporteur: Maurizio Mensi (Group III - Italy)

Date of adoption by section: 26 May 2026

Result of the vote: 82 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention

Date of adoption in plenary: 17-18 June 2026

Result of the vote: 206 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions

Contact

Marco Pezzani

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 2 546 9793 | Mob: +32 470 881 903

E-mail: marco.pezzani@eesc.europa.eu 

Albert Precup

Administrator

Tel.: +32 546 9326

E-mail: albert.precup@eesc.europa.eu