Back in the game? Europe’s race for digital leadership

A reset of the EU’s telecom rulebook is approaching. With competitiveness now at the top of the EU agenda, accelerating high-speed connectivity will be critical to supporting data-intensive sectors such as cloud computing, defence, and artificial intelligence.

For years, telecom operators have called for simpler rules and stronger investment incentives to help them scale and innovate across Europe’s fragmented market. The EU is beginning to respond—but it remains unclear whether the upcoming Digital Networks Act will deliver real change. Key debates are emerging around spectrum policy, fair competition with the tech sector, and the need for deregulation.

Key questions for the debate

• How can Europe keep pace in the global technology race, and what role does connectivity play?
• Which regulatory or market barriers are holding back telecom investment?
• How does the EU plan to help the telecom sector thrive and drive innovation and competitiveness?
• Is the current telecom framework fit to support the next wave of AI-driven growth?
• What should be policymakers’ top priority when reviewing the EU telecom rulebook?

Against this backdrop, POLITICO brings together EU policymakers, senior telecom leaders, and experts to discuss how a new regulatory framework can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness through innovative connectivity.