With the sun setting on 2025, the political focus of the European Commission and the Council is shifting towards simplification and harmonization of the existing regulatory framework, including the rules for Data Protection under the GDPR within the envisioned Digital Omnibus. The Commission, it seems, is finally addressing the lingering question on how to tackle – among other topics – cookie rules and provisions. These were initially intended to be covered within the confines of the ePrivacy Regulation, which was retracted by the Commission approximately eight years after its first presentation and after roughly four years in trilogue. 

It remains to be seen whether this new approach for regulating online tracking of users will prove to strike a balance between respecting and safeguarding users’ rights and avoiding overly complex provisions requiring consent forms, which diminish the online experience of users. Additionally, the topic and further elaboration of the term personal data is central to the future of data protection. Here, the ongoing debate will show whether Commission, Parliament and Council will be able to find an accessible and workable definition for personal data and link it to the legal forms for data processing. 

While data protection rules are experiencing a fresh approach, another topic is emerging. Data retention has been a recurring concern for European and national lawmakers. The Danish Presidency of the Council has proposed “Future Rules on Data Retention” and consulted them with the Member States, leading to an outcome paper presented in November 2025. The foreseen retention durations in the conclusive document of the Danish presidency range from six months to one year. 

These requirements cannot be reconciled with the decisions of the Court of Justice of the EU, which has clearly stated that access to data cannot be pursued through unsolicited, encompassing data storage. And its 2024 decision did not change anything in this respect, but rather specified the conditions under which access is possible. 

Politically, 2026 is likely to see recurring cycles of discussions on online tracking and surveillance, with uncertain outcomes for the Internet industry. The Digital Omnibus has yet to pass the European Parliament and the demand for new data retention rules has yet to be put into a Commission draft. However, discussing the streamlining and simplification of rules for online tracking against the backdrop of seamless online surveillance may prove harmful and fuel criticisms, which deride the necessary clarifications in the data protection framework as unsolicited. Navigating this environment will be a priority challenge for the Internet industry in 2026. 

Freedom Internet offers a true Dutch alternative and being a member of EuroISPA elevates our company to a European level.   

Freedom Internet was created in the context of the demise of XS4ALL, the first consumer internet service provider in The Netherlands. We were able to found Freedom through a very successful crowdfunding campaign in December 2019. After Freedom was established, we started delivering our services in the first half of 2020. This was an interesting time obviously, because during the pandemic people worked from home and the consumer internet connection was used more intensively than ever before.   

Freedom firmly believes it is important people have an actual choice when it comes to their communication infrastructure. Not only with regard to the price, but also with regard to the type of company that delivers their internet services. Freedom is crowdfunded as opposed to funded through private equity. The only shareholder with voting rights is a foundation. And to make sure we stick to our mission -a free, open and accessible internet for everyone- we are closely connected to civil society organisation Bits of Freedom.    

We support Euroispa’s mission: to help deliver the benefits of the internet to individuals while meeting legitimate concerns around vulnerable members of society as well as the development of a free and open internet. Freedom believes that sharing knowledge and information is the core function of the internet. Together with others around the world we are committed to a responsible stewardship of the internet ecosystem. For example by participating in MANRS.   

The EuroISPA membership definitely facilitates our transnational collaborations as well as creates a trusted environment for sharing information regarding national use cases and local political developments . 

Europe stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation. Connectivity is no longer a convenience – it is the backbone of economic growth, innovation, and societal resilience. As eco – Association of the Internet Industry and EuroISPA, we share a common mission: to ensure that Europe’s digital infrastructure is secure, sustainable, and future-ready. This article outlines our joint vision for the next era of connectivity, addressing technological, regulatory, and societal challenges. 

From Copper to Fiber: Building the Foundation 

The transition from copper-based networks to fiber-optic infrastructure is essential for Europe’s competitiveness. Fiber offers unmatched bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and resilience – capabilities that copper cannot deliver in an era of cloud computing, IoT, and real-time applications. Accelerating fiber deployment, particularly in rural and underserved regions, is critical to closing the digital divide. Both eco and EuroISPA advocate for investment-friendly policies and streamlined permitting processes to make this transition a reality. 

6G: The Intelligent Network of Tomorrow 

While 5G rollout continues, 6G research is already shaping the next frontier. Expected by 2030, 6G will deliver terabit-per-second speeds, sub-millisecond latency, and AI-driven network orchestration. It will enable holographic communication, digital twins, and immersive extended reality, transforming sectors from healthcare to manufacturing. To achieve this, Europe must invest in terahertz spectrum, edge computing, and global standards, ensuring interoperability and security.

Quantum Networking: Reinventing Security 

Cybersecurity is a cornerstone of trust in the digital age. Quantum networking, through technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), will make data interception virtually impossible. This is vital for protecting critical infrastructures systems. Europe must lead in quantum research and pilot projects to safeguard digital sovereignty. 

Satellites: Bridging the Last Mile 

 

Fiber and terrestrial networks will dominate urban connectivity, but satellite Internet – especially Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations – will play a key role in connecting remote regions. Integrating satellite solutions into Europe’s connectivity strategy ensures inclusivity and resilience, supporting economic development and social cohesion 

The Backbone: Data Centers, IXPs, and DNS  

• Behind every digital service lies a robust infrastructure: 

• Data Centers: The engines of the digital economy. Scaling sustainably with energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy is non-negotiable. 

• IXPs: Internet Exchange Points reduce latency and strengthen resilience. Expanding Europe’s IXP ecosystem enhances performance and digital sovereignty. 

• DNS: A stable and secure Domain Name System is fundamental. Implementing DNSSEC and redundancy measures is essential to prevent outages and attacks. 

Sustainability and Security: Our Shared Priorities 

Both eco and EuroISPA champion green digital infrastructure, aligning with EU climate goals. Energy efficiency, heat reuse, and renewable integration are critical for data centers and networks. At the same time, cybersecurity must evolve with zero-trust architectures, AI-driven threat detection, and strong encryption standards. 

Encryption: A Non-Negotiable for Trust 

EuroISPA has consistently defended end-to-end encryption as a cornerstone of privacy and security. Proposals to weaken encryption under initiatives like ProtectEU or e-Evidence risk undermining trust and exposing users to cyber threats. Our joint position is clear: encryption must remain robust and uncompromised. Any legislative approach should balance law enforcement needs with fundamental rights and technological realities. 

Policy and Collaboration: The Road Ahead 

The future of connectivity requires coordinated action. Policymakers must create frameworks that encourage investment, innovation, and sustainability without imposing disproportionate burdens. Industry associations like eco and EuroISPA play a vital role in shaping balanced regulations, from the Digital Networks Act to cybersecurity standards. Public-private partnerships will be the cornerstone of Europe’s digital success. 

Conclusion: A Connected, Secure, and Sustainable Europe 

Connectivity is not just about speed – it is about enabling opportunity, resilience, and trust. From fiber to 6G, from satellites to quantum networks, and from data centers to DNS, every component matters. Together, eco and EuroISPA are committed to driving this transformation and ensuring that Europe remains a global leader in digital innovation.