- 10:00

Connect Europe's Policy Summit

The digital transformation of Europe stands at a defining moment. As technology and connectivity drive our economies and shapes our societies, building a connected, competitive, and sovereign digital future is more urgent than ever. Connect Europe’s Policy Day brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to explore the pivotal issues shaping this digital transformation.

pOLICY sUMMIT

The Digital Networks Act and the Cloud & AI Development Act are poised to redefine Europe’s telecom landscape, paving the way for smarter, stronger, and more efficient connectivity ecosystem across the Union. At the same time, the evolving telecom market raises pressing questions about competitiveness, consolidation, and scale – how to foster growth and investment while safeguarding innovation. Europe’s ambition for technological sovereignty further adds to the stakes, as the continent seeks to lead in cutting-edge technologies, build resilience, and reduce reliance on global players.

Through these forward-looking discussions, Connect Europe’s Policy Day aims to inspire collaboration and action, driving Europe’s digital ambitions to new heights.

Date: May 12, 2025
Location: Bump, Place du Luxembourg, 26 - 1050 Brussels

Programme

10:00 - Introduction: "EU tech leadership, innovation and competitiveness: A Telecom Viewpoint"

  • Alessandro Gropelli, Director General, Connect Europe
     

10:15 - Panel 1: The Digital Networks Act - A bold move for the future of EU Telecoms regulation
This panel explores the transformative potential of the Digital Networks Act, which promises to reshape telecom regulation across Europe. 
Moderator: Vincent Garnier, Director General, FTTH Council

  • Kamila Kloc, Director Digital Decade and Connectivity, DG CNECT, European Commission
  • Thomas Arnoldner, Deputy CEO, A1 Group
  • Pascal Rogard, Senior Vice President European and Institutional Affairs, Orange
  • Maxime Lombardini, Vice President and Member of the board of Iliad Group
  • Izabela Iglewska, Counsellor, Counsellor, Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland 
     

11:15 – Coffee break

11:30 - Panel 2: Competitiveness, Consolidation and Scale – Balancing growth and creating a true level playing field in the digital ecosystem
This panel delves into the interplay of consolidation and scale, examining how these factors impact Europe’s telecom ecosystem.
Moderator: Elsa Sependa, Head of Public Policy for Europe, GSMA

  • Carlota Reyners Fontana, Director IT and Digital, DG COMP, European Commission
  • Manuel Kohnstamm, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Office, Liberty Global
  • Juan Montero Rodil, Chief Public Policy, Competition & Regulatory Officer, Telefonica
  • Nicolas Cote-Colisson, Head of Research France & Global Head of Communications Equity Research, HSBC 
  • Alexander de Streel, Professor University of Namur and CERRE 
  • Ben Wreschner, Chief Economist and Head of Public Affairs, Vodafone Group  


12:20 - Networking Lunch

13:30 - Fireside Chat: The Cybersecurity imperative - Safeguarding Europe’s digital backbone
A deep dive into the challenges and strategies for ensuring cybersecurity in an interconnected Europe.
Moderator: Roberto Cascella, Chief Technology Officer, European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) 

  • Christian D’Cunha, Head of Cyber Coordination Task Force, DG CONNECT, European Commission 
  • Eugenio Santagata, Chief Public Affairs & Security Officer, TIM – Chairman & CEO, Telsy
  • Jeffrey Leusink–Nicolai, Director CISO Office, KPN 


14:00 - Panel 3: EU Technology Sovereignty - Strengthening Europe’s global standing in tech
An in-depth discussion on Europe’s path to technological sovereignty, fostering innovation, and securing its role on the global stage.
Moderator: Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary-General, Digital SME Alliance

  • Thibaut Kleiner, Director for Future Networks, DG CNECT, European Commission
  • Jakob Greiner, VP European Affairs, Deutsche Telekom
  • Katinka Worsøe, Digitalisation attaché, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU
     

14:45 – 15:00 Closing Keynote: “Challenges to Antitrust and the Sovereignty Imperative"
A reflection on tech leadership, industrial policies and antitrust in turbulent times.

•    Cristina Caffarra, UCL, Co-founder CEPR Competition Network
 

Please note that registrations have now closed due to limited capacity. If you are still interested in attending the Policy Summit, you are welcome to reach out to Marcel Planaguma (planaguma@connecteurope.org) for further assistance.