The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has unveiled its strategic priorities for 2025, highlighting a pivotal commitment to enhancing connectivity, fostering very high-capacity networks, and advancing environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure. These objectives are not mere aspirations; they are fundamental steps toward closing the digital divide, ensuring robust network security, and promoting green infrastructure that can sustainably support Europe’s digital future.
Bridging the Digital Divide
With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for a range of services, including education and healthcare, the importance of universal connectivity has never been more pronounced. BEREC’s goals reflect a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics and underscore their dedication to overcoming existing disparities in digital access across European regions. By ensuring that all citizens have reliable internet access, BEREC not only aims to bring services to underserved areas but also to empower individuals and communities, thus facilitating broader socio-economic development.
The planned establishment of very high-capacity networks plays a crucial role in this strategy. For example, countries like Estonia have successfully rolled out extensive fiber optic networks that connect rural communities. BEREC’s initiative aims to replicate such models across Europe, thereby standardizing and elevating the level of connectivity for all citizens.
Security and Sustainability in Focus
Beyond connectivity, BEREC is prioritizing the enhancement of network security—a non-negotiable requirement as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated. BEREC’s emphasis on fostering secure communication channels aligns with the needs of businesses and individuals who rely on digital interactions, especially in the wake of rising cybercrime incidents.
Simultaneously, BEREC is enhancing its commitment to sustainability. As the digital economy grows, so too will the environmental impact associated with maintaining and expanding digital infrastructure. By promoting the development of green technologies and energy-efficient practices within the digital sector, BEREC aims to minimize the environmental footprint associated with these advancements. This focus on sustainability is not a reactive measure but a proactive stance to align the digital economy with the EU’s broader environmental goals.
Input from Stakeholders
To ensure that these strategies resonate with the needs of the European populace, BEREC has initiated a public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to contribute their insights to the draft Work Programme 2025 by November 4th and to provide feedback on a draft report regarding the evolution of both private and public 5G networks by November 29th. This collaborative approach is crucial as it allows BEREC to tailor its strategies effectively, ensuring that they are practical and achievable.
Furthermore, by striving for a unified understanding of 5G private networks, BEREC aims to establish consistent definitions and classifications, which are vital in fostering collaboration among regulatory bodies across Europe. This initiative showcases BEREC’s commitment to not only regulatory coherence but also informed decision-making that reflects current technological trends and demands.
Alignment with EU Digital Vision
BEREC’s strategic program is closely aligned with the European Commission’s digital vision outlined in the white paper, “How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?”. This alignment serves as a preparatory step for the forthcoming Digital Networks Act, ensuring that BEREC’s work is integrated within the broader EU digital policy framework. Such coherence not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to a cohesive strategy for advancing Europe’s digital economy on the global stage.
Leadership Updates
To guide these ambitious initiatives, BEREC has recently appointed new leadership. Marko Mišmaš, from Slovenia’s AKOS, has been elected as Chair for 2026, with Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini from Spain and Daniela Brönstrup from Germany serving as Vice-chairs. Additionally, Liliia Malon from Ukraine’s NCEC will join the Mini-Board as a non-voting member. These leadership changes reflect BEREC’s commitment to harnessing diverse perspectives and expertise to enhance its strategic planning.
Conclusion
In summary, BEREC is positioned to play a critical role in shaping the digital landscape of Europe. Its strategic priorities for 2025 address crucial issues of connectivity, sustainability, and security, laying a strong foundation for the future. As Europe navigates its digital transformation, BEREC’s focused initiatives promise not only to foster technological advancement but also to ensure that progress is inclusive and environmentally considerate.
