European telecom CEOs meet with EU leaders to discuss connectivity, competitiveness and tech sovereignty
The discussions focused on the strategic role of connectivity networks in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and technological sovereignty, at a time when digital infrastructure has become a critical enabler of economic growth, security and innovation across the continent.
Brussels, 8 January 2026 – Today, Connect Europe convened senior executives from Europe’s leading connectivity providers in Brussels for high-level exchanges with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.
During the exchanges, telecom leaders underlined the importance of investment-friendly policies, scale and innovation in digital networks, and a coherent EU framework to support Europe’s ambitions on digital leadership, sustainability and strategic autonomy.
The following industry leaders participated in the meetings: Marc Murtra, CEO, Telefónica; Pietro Labriola, CEO, TIM; Dominique Leroy, CEO Europe, Deutsche Telekom; Ana Figueiredo, CEO, MEO Portugal; Lars Thomsen, CEO, Telenor Denmark; Margherita Della Valle, CEO, Vodafone Group, and Alessandro Gropelli, Director General, Connect Europe.
Europe’s connectivity leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with EU institutions to ensure that world-class digital infrastructure continues to support Europe’s competitiveness, innovation capacity and long-term strategic sovereignty.