On 21 January 2026, the European Commission adopted its proposal for the Digital Networks Act (DNA), marking a significant step towards reshaping the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications. Once adopted, the DNA will replace the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) of 2018. Unlike the EECC, which took the form of a directive requiring national transposition, the DNA is proposed as a regulation, directly applicable and uniformly enforced across all EU Member States.
The overarching objective of the DNA is to address the long-standing fragmentation of the EU’s 27 national connectivity markets and to move towards a genuine Single Market for digital networks. This is pursued through greater legal harmonisation, simplified authorisation regimes, more centralised spectrum management, and the formal recognition of technological convergence between telecommunications, cloud computing and AI.
As part of this simplification effort, four existing legal acts are consolidated into a single act: the European Electronic Communications Code, the BEREC Regulation, the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme and core elements of the Open Internet Regulation.
DNA’s key measures:
• Strengthening the Single Market for connectivity
The DNA pursues the highest possible level of legal harmonisation through a regulation. To facilitate cross-border operations, it introduces a “Single Passport” regime, allowing providers to notify only one Member State when operating across the EU. In addition, the proposal foresees a single EU-level authorisation for satellite spectrum.
• Simplifying the regulatory framework
The proposal aims to reduce regulatory and administrative burdens, particularly by allowing greater flexibility in business-to-business relationships, while maintaining the EU’s high level of consumer protection.
• Fostering innovation in the digital ecosystem
The DNA introduces a mechanism to clarify the application of Open Internet rules to innovative services. It also establishes a voluntary cooperation framework for stakeholders on IP interconnection, traffic efficiency and other emerging issues.
• Enhancing resilience and preparedness
An EU-level Preparedness Plan is proposed to address increasing risks such as natural disasters and foreign interference with networks and radio signals. Security and resilience criteria will also be embedded in the selection of pan-European satellite communications systems.
Fibre Transition and Telecommunications Operators
The proposal also places strong emphasis on accelerating the transition from legacy copper networks to fully fibre-based infrastructure. Mandatory national migration plans are envisaged to ensure a coordinated and sustainable copper switch-off, providing greater predictability for telecommunications operators while safeguarding consumer interests.
Simplification or added complexity?
While simplification is presented as a central objective of the DNA, it remains to be seen whether this ambition will be fully realised. The proposal retains several overlapping obligations, including in consumer protection and privacy rules rooted in outdated sector-specific legislation. Moreover, the absence of a binding EU-level dispute resolution mechanism and the lack of a clear shift towards horizontal regulation risk perpetuating an uneven playing field, to the detriment of the telecommunications sector and the EU’s overall competitiveness.
At this stage, the DNA remains a legislative proposal. As the text now enters the interinstitutional negotiations, the coming months will be decisive in determining whether the final outcome delivers genuine simplification or adds yet another layer to an already complex regulatory landscape.
Authored by Andreas Tsoufis