On 21 January 2026, the European Commission published its proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), which would repeal and replace the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) in its entirety.
The EECC currently forms the core of EU regulation for electronic communications, governing the provision of electronic communications networks and services, including fixed and mobile connectivity, internet access, network access and interconnection, consumer protection, enforcement powers, and the roles of national regulators and EU institutions. The Commission proposes to regulate this same field through a single, directly applicable Regulation, replacing the directive-based framework implemented through national legislation.
A single framework for authorisation and notification
The proposal introduces a single EU notification regime for providers of public electronic communications networks and services. Rather than notifying each national regulator separately, providers would submit a single notification, using harmonised templates developed at EU level.
The Regulation establishes the Operational Digital Networks Office (ODN) as a Union body with legal personality, responsible for providing administrative and operational support within the new regulatory framework. Its tasks include acting as a single point of contact for Union authorisation and notification procedures, managing information systems and databases related to radio spectrum use, and assisting the Commission, BEREC and the Radio Spectrum Policy Board in monitoring compliance and examining alleged breaches of regulatory obligations.
Other substantive changes under the proposal
The proposal also revises several core elements of the EU telecoms regulatory framework. It adjusts the rules on access and interconnection by placing greater emphasis on commercial negotiation and co-investment, consolidates end-user protection provisions within a harmonised EU framework, and strengthens EU-level coordination through expanded roles for BEREC and the Radio Spectrum Policy Board. In addition, it introduces harmonised information-gathering and geographical survey obligations and provides the Commission with additional tools to address divergent national regulatory approaches that may create barriers to the internal market.
The proposal will now proceed through the ordinary legislative procedure, meaning scrutiny and amendment by the European Parliament and the Council.
The Commission’s press release can be accessed here.
Full text of the proposal (in English) can be accessed here.
