Tag Archive for: European Commission

Navigating the future: regulatory streamlining of electronic communications in the European Union

Over the next five years, the European Union (EU) is poised to witness a transformative era in the development of electronic communications networks. This period is anticipated to be marked by a concerted effort to modernise the existing infrastructure and reduce barriers to the construction of advanced VHCN networks. The so-called GIA legislation is trying to focus on harmonisation across Member States and reduce bureaucratic procedures. The question we must ask is “Will that be enough?”.

Any harmonisation effort should primarily target regulatory framework, aiming to streamline and simplify the procedures for network development. This will involve revising existing regulations and possibly introducing new ones to address the evolving landscape of electronic communications. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that currently impede progress and innovation. By doing so, the EU intends to foster an environment conducive to investment, innovation, and rapid deployment of advanced networks like 5G and beyond.

A significant part of this harmonisation will be the standardisation of technologies and protocols. This will ensure interoperability of networks and services across the EU, enhancing the user experience and promoting a more connected European digital market. It’s not just about enhancing speed and bandwidth; it’s also about ensuring reliability, resilience, and security of these networks, especially in the wake of increased cyber threats.

Alongside these developments, there will be a strong emphasis on the formulation of clear and fair rules for data privacy in the digital space, especially data retention. The EU recognises the need for law enforcement agencies to access certain types of data for security purposes. However, this need must be balanced against the fundamental rights of individuals, particularly their right to privacy and data protection. This framework will aim to provide clarity and certainty for both law enforcement agencies, telecommunication service providers and providers of information society services, as well as protect the privacy rights of EU citizens. The future of electronic communications network development in the EU will be characterised by a drive towards harmonisation to reduce barriers for building new infrastructure and a focus on setting clear, human rights-centred rules for data protection in the digital space. These efforts will be critical to ensure that the EU remains at the forefront of digital innovation while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Jaromir Novak
Partner for Regulatory Affairs, CZ.NIC

EuroISPA welcomes the newly elected Commission

The European Internet Services Providers Association welcomes today’s vote in the European Parliament on the European Commission. EuroISPA would like to state its support for President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker’s ambition to unlock the Digital Single Market and create a truly Digital Europe -as he stated in his opening speech and manifesto.

EuroISPA also supports the appointment of a Vice-President for the Digital Single Market working on the integration of the innovation and digitalization principles into all EU legislation, thereby ensuring that EU policy is forward-looking, future-proof and consistent across the Commission.

„The new Commission is well positioned with Andrus Ansip as Vice President for the Digital Single Market and Günther Oettinger , Commissioner for the digital economy and society. We are confident, that the Commission will set the right crucial course in order to achieve a well-balanced framework for a competitive Internet Industry in Europe“, said Oliver Sueme, President of the European Internet Services Providers Association.