From Cyprus to Europe: Advancing Telecoms Legislation for a Connected Future

Europe is at a crucial turning point in shaping its connectivity future. The upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency has a key opportunity to advance digital transformation through a bold reform of telecom rules. To truly connect Europe, the Digital Networks Act must focus on simplification, harmonisation, and —where relevant— deregulation, enabling innovation, sustainable investment in gigabit networks, and fairness across the digital sector.

Reports by Draghi, Letta, and Niinistö have reaffirmed the central role of connectivity as the backbone of our economies and societies, and the heart of a competitive, resilient, and fully connected Europe. As Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency in the first half of 2026, an ambitious Digital Networks Act and Digital Omnibus are needed to bridge the gap between Europe’s digital ambitions and their implementation.

There is a pressing need to modernise and harmonise the current regulatory framework for the tech and telecom sector, replacing the outdated, overlapping, fragmented, and disproportionate obligations with simplified, streamlined, and horizontal rules. 

By championing regulatory reform, Europe can empower its citizens, public administration and companies with access to fast, reliable, secure and affordable gigabit connectivity.

Cyprus’s rich experience with connectivity investments, digital transition initiatives, and cross-border data infrastructure, coupled with its strategic geographic position, provide it with a unique vantage point to lead Europe’s efforts in transforming the regulatory framework and bridging the persistent digital divide.

We therefore call on the Cypriot Presidency to help drive consensus around an ambitious and forward-looking regulatory agenda that:

• Strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty and network resilience by implementing Mario Draghi’s Competitiveness Report. His proposed actions in the fields of digital technology and connectivity should be implemented, enabling the companies in the tech and telecoms field to scale up, innovate and contribute to the competitiveness of the European economy.

• Contributes to bringing forward an ambitious Digital Networks Act, promoting investment in 5G and FTTH across all European countries, positioning Europe at the forefront of the next generation of connectivity. This is crucial to support a dynamic digital economy that benefits everyone — citizens, businesses (from SMEs to large corporations), and governments alike.

• Delivers a bold Digital Omnibus to achieve simplification and pro-innovation policies across the board. It is essential to adopt concrete measures to implement the Omnibus, aimed at reducing red tape and simplifying legislation, and to complement these efforts with an industrial policy that promotes collaboration and innovation among European technology companies.

Delays in fulfilling the promise to adopt a modern, cohesive, and investment-friendly regulatory framework risk leaving Europe behind in next-generation connectivity, undermining competitiveness, innovation, digital sovereignty and resilience. 
 

Alessandro Gropelli
Director General, Connect Europe   

Andreas Andreou
Deputy Secretary General, CCCI