EU Proposal for a Regulation for the Digital Networks Act (DNA)
Issued by
European Commission
- September 30, 2026 · Correction — Corrected the link and the scope: the DNA would replace the telecoms code and sets no AI governance duties (fact-check finding). (Cody Maxwell)
- October 1, 2026 · Correction — Rewrote the practical steps, newsletter hook, search description, and audience fields to match the entry's corrected content. (Cody Maxwell)
The European Commission proposed the Digital Networks Act (COM(2026) 16) on 21 January 2026. It would replace the European Electronic Communications Code with a single regulation for telecoms networks. It aims to enable AI and cloud adoption but sets no AI-specific governance duties.
Applies To
Overview
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) was proposed by the European Commission on January 21, 2026, as part of the EU's broader digital policy agenda. It would replace the European Electronic Communications Code and the BEREC Regulation with a single regulation for electronic communications networks. It covers authorisation, spectrum, the move from copper to fibre, satellite, net neutrality, and network security and resilience. AI features as a technology the framework should enable, not as a subject of governance duties. As a proposed regulation, it would be directly applicable across all EU member states without requiring transposition into national law, ensuring uniform compliance standards. The proposal is currently in the early stages of the ordinary legislative procedure, with formal positions yet to be adopted by the European Parliament and Council. The timeline to enactment remains uncertain. Enforcement mechanisms, penalty structures, and supervisory authority designations are expected to be defined as the legislative text matures through negotiation. Telecoms operators and network providers in the EU should follow the negotiations.
Key Requirements
- •Would replace the European Electronic Communications Code and the BEREC Regulation with one directly applicable regulation.
- •Covers network authorisation, spectrum, the copper-to-fibre transition, satellite, and net neutrality.
- •Covers network security and resilience.
- •Sets no AI-specific governance duties; it aims to support AI and cloud adoption.
- •Penalties, thresholds, and timelines depend on the legislative negotiation.
What Your Organization Must Do
- →Track the Digital Networks Act proposal through European Parliament and Council negotiations for changes.
- →Confirm with legal counsel that no AI-specific duties arise from this proposal today.
- →Map which of your services fall under the European Electronic Communications Code now.
- →Brief telecoms and network teams that the proposal would replace that Code with one regulation.
- →Hold off on compliance spending until penalties, thresholds and supervisors are settled.
- →Note covered topics, including spectrum, copper-to-fibre, satellite, net neutrality, security and resilience.