Position Papers

Connect Europe's position papers represent the views of its member companies on a wide range of technical, regulatory, and trade issues. These papers are directed at European Union decision-makers, national governments, and the general public.

Position papers are developed either internally by our working groups or, occasionally, in cooperation with third parties such as other industry associations at the European and national levels. This section also includes materials from our previous association, ETNO.

17 Dec, 2021

ETNO’s feedback on the EC Decision establishing the 2030 Policy Programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’

ETNO welcomes the opportunity to provide its comments on the European Commission’s (EC) Decision establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”. The telecom industry is engaged to fulfil the 2025 Gigabit and 2030 Digital Compass objectives. The European Union’s digital targets are key to achieve a successful digital transformation. Thus, the governance system of the EC establishing the ‘Path to the Digital Decade’ and its enhanced monitoring system will be of major importance for achieving these targets. Please find below some considerations from ETNO.

13 Dec, 2021

ETNO Position Paper on Open RAN

As 5G is continues to be rolled out in Europe, and its advantages realised, we present an overview of one of the innovations which can help facilitate this transition. This paper explains what Open RAN is and assesses its expected impact on innovation, roll-out, competition, security and efficiency. We provide an overview of the state-of-play of Open RAN and suggest some ways in which EU public policy can contribute.
What is Open RAN?

19 Nov, 2021

ETNO response to the feedback period on the EU energy efficiency directive (EED)

The European Telecommunication Network Operators' Association (ETNO) welcomes the European Commission opportunity to provide feedback to the revised EU energy efficiency directive (EED).
As stated in our response to the EC public consultation earlier this year, we believe efficient use of energy is key to achieve the Green Deal objectives. The original objectives of the Directive are still highly relevant, and in general they have helped to increase awareness and knowledge related to energy, which is often still seen a plain commodity.

19 Nov, 2021

ETNO views on RED revision on Universal Charger

We welcome the initiative by the European Commission to achieve important objectives on consumer choice, reducing cost for the consumer, and reducing waste and environmental impact.

09 Nov, 2021

ETNO comments on the draft BEREC Report on the regulatory treatment for fixed and mobile backhaul

ETNO welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft BEREC “Report on the regulatory treatment for fixed and mobile backhaul” (“the report”) to express its views and conclusions. ETNO would like to share the following analysis on the report. In general terms, ETNO considers that at present, the current regulatory framework (EECC, BCRD) has the necessary instruments and obligations on the different relevant markets included in the EC 2020 recommendation, to be able to address any competition issues that may arise in the future.

09 Nov, 2021

ETNO’s submission to the BEREC public consultation on the draft BEREC Work Programme 2022

ETNO welcomes the opportunity to provide comments on the draft BEREC’s Work Programme 2022. We believe that BEREC should in general focus on the ongoing tasks as mandated by EU legislation, as defined in the EECC, the Open Internet Regulation, roaming and intra‐EU calls, for example. We support BEREC’s commitment to establish structured cooperation mechanisms with EU institutions and other competent authorities.

Concerning the strategic priorities and work items for 2022, ETNO will hereby provide some comments and suggestions.

05 Nov, 2021

ETNO-GSMA position paper on European Commission proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Act

ETNO and the GSMA welcome the initiative of the European Commission to propose a Regulation on Artificial Intelligence, and notably the central role of the risk-based approach, which keeps citizens at the centre and is based on a robust ethical framework. Nevertheless, the risk-based approach requires more precision in order to achieve the intended results. It is encouraging to see that the legal focus is put on the use of AI and its impacts to society, rather than the technology itself.

12 Oct, 2021

ETNO POSITION PAPER on the Consumer Credit Directive

ETNO welcomes the European Commission’s initiative in proposing a Consumer Credit Directive, repealing and updating the current Directive (2008), and bringing consumer protection law with regard to credit agreements up to date, as part of the New Deal for Consumers.

What credit agreements do our members offer?