The EC has unveiled a set of potential actions aimed at advancing the innovation, security, and resilience of digital infrastructures in Europe.
Recognising the pivotal role of digital networks in driving economic competitiveness and societal progress, the European Commission’s (EC) digital connectivity package, consisting of two documents, seeks to address key challenges and present opportunities in shaping the future of Europe’s digital landscape.
The White Paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?” provides an analysis of the current challenges impeding the rollout of future connectivity networks across Europe by identifying critical areas for action and improvement, including attracting investments, fostering innovation, and increasing security, needed to achieve a true Digital Single Market. The White Paper outlines various scenarios to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of Europe’s digital infrastructure. One key proposal is the creation of a future “Connected Collaborative Computing” Network (3C Network), with its respective work programmes and pilot projects, that could be funded under the next iteration of Horizon Europe. This initiative aims to establish and develop end-to-end integrated infrastructures and platforms for telco cloud and edge computing. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the 3C Network seeks to drive the development of innovative applications and services across various sectors.
Furthermore, the White Paper emphasises the importance of leveraging synergies between existing initiatives (including the IPCEI on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services) and funding programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Digital Europe to maximise the impact of investments in digital infrastructures. The White Paper also calls for a coordinated approach involving stakeholders at the national and EU levels to support the creation of a collaborative connectivity and computing ecosystem. This includes exploring the potential role of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), a public-private institutionalised partnership of Horizon Europe, in facilitating collaboration and innovation in the digital sector.
In parallel, the Recommendation on the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructures presents a set of actions aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of critical submarine cable networks. This includes measures to improve coordination at the national and EU levels and streamline permit granting procedures. In the Recommendation, the EC also recognises the need to address regulatory challenges and create a conducive environment for investment in digital infrastructures. This includes measures to ensure a level playing field for all telecom operators, rethink the scope of regulatory frameworks, and accelerate the transition to greener digital networks.
The Commission’s proposals build upon previous, recent actions taken to foster the transition towards the infrastructures of the future. These include initiatives such as the proposed Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA), which aims to simplify and speed up the deployment of high-capacity networks, as well as the Global Gateway Partnerships, funded via the CEF, which ensure high-quality connectivity across the European Union. Commenting on the proposals, Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the EU’s Internal Market, emphasised the importance of digital network infrastructures for Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. Breton highlighted the Commission’s commitment to laying the foundations for a future Digital Networks Act focused on the areas of investment, regulatory framework, and security. Breton also stressed the need to create a level playing field to unlock the investment needed to build the digital network infrastructures of tomorrow.
In conclusion, the Commission’s proposals represent a significant step towards shaping the future of Europe’s digital infrastructures. By addressing key challenges, promoting collaboration, and enhancing security and resilience, these possible actions aim to ensure that Europe maintains its place as a leader in the realm of digital innovation and remains competitive in the R&I space for years to come. In order to grant stakeholders including Member States, industry, academics and civil society an opportunity to contribute to future proposals in the area of digital infrastructures and to garner a wide array of viewpoints on the White Paper, the Commission has opened a public consultation.