Europe’ s top telecommunications executives have called on the European Commission to take bold, immediate action to revive the continent’ s digital competitiveness. In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the heads of major operators and network manufacturers urged swift reform of the upcoming Digital Networks Act( DNA), warning that Europe risks losing further ground in connectivity, investment and innovation.
“ Nearly a year has passed since your Commission was formed with the aim of restoring Europe’ s competitiveness. Digitalisation and connectivity play a crucial role in this regard. We welcome your very necessary drive for reform, but we fear that when it comes to digital policy, it might be lost to resistance against change,” the CEOs wrote.
The letter, co-signed by leaders including Timotheus Höttges( Deutsche Telekom), Christel Heydemann( Orange Group), Allison Kirkby( BT Group), Börje Ekholm( Ericsson) and Margherita Della Valle( Vodafone Group), warns that Europe’ s fragmented policy landscape has weakened its economic position, slowed 5G deployment and left the region vulnerable in digital security and innovation.
52 December 2025