Joint Statement by Connect Europe & KTOA

The Korea Telecommunications Operators Association (KTOA) and Connect Europe announced a joint statement in Seoul today, focusing on establishing reliable networks and creating a sustainable investment environment in the AI era.

On the same day, Connect Europe participated in the “Global Forum on Reliable Networks in the AI Era,” hosted by Rep. Lee Jung-heon of the Democratic Party. The forum highlighted the current challenges of low competitiveness and insufficient innovation in the European telecom market and introduced the upcoming EU Digital Networks Act as a measure to address these challenges.

The joint statement identifies the following key priorities:

• Building stable telecommunications networks as a foundation for AI and next-generation service innovation, and establishing a virtuous cycle of investment;

• Promoting the adoption of AI by telecom operators and related services;

• Creating a predictable regulatory and policy environment for the telecom industry;

• Strengthening digital cooperation between Korea and the EU.

The statement particularly recognizes the EU’s Digital Networks Act and the Cloud & AI Act as significant regulatory changes. It also emphasizes that collaboration will be further strengthened based on the institutional foundation established by the 2025 Korea-EU Digital Trade Agreement and the Mutual Adequacy Decision on Personal Data Protection.

KTOA and Connect Europe have maintained an ongoing international partnership since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2023, focused on global telecom investment and digital transformation. In 2024, the two organizations issued a joint statement highlighting the importance and development of telecom networks. Moving forward, both organizations plan to enhance cooperation through regular exchanges, joint working groups, and policy recommendations, advancing innovation and sustainable development of global telecom networks.