A leading European trade body says it “warmly welcomes” Ireland as it assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July.
The European Competitive Telecommunications Association says it looks forward to “working constructively” with the Irish Presidency over the coming six months.
Ireland takes over the Presidency at a “decisive moment” for Europe’s digital future, says the Association.
The Council, it goes on to state, will play an “important role” in shaping two major legislative files with direct consequences for connectivity, investment, competition, resilience and security.
They are the Digital Networks Act and the revision of the Cybersecurity Act.
Europe’s digital infrastructure, argues the Association, can only strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience “if regulation supports investment, preserves competition, ensures legal certainty and promotes security through proportionate and evidence-based measures.”
Luc Hindryckx, Director General at ecta, said, “Ireland’s Presidency comes at an important time for Europe’s telecoms sector.
“ecta warmly welcomes the Irish Presidency and stands ready to engage in a constructive spirit.
“The Digital Networks Act and the Cybersecurity Act should help Europe build secure, resilient and future-proof digital infrastructure, while preserving the competition and investment capacity that are essential to Europe’s digital success,” said Hindryckx.
ecta says it calls on the Irish Presidency and Member States to ensure that competition “remains a core objective of the future framework.”
A statement added, “Competition is not merely an instrument for achieving other policy goals. It is an absolute prerequisite for the EU’s global competitiveness, as well as a central condition for efficient investment, innovation, service quality, affordability and user choice.”
On the Cybersecurity Act ecta says it supports the ambition to reinforce cybersecurity across the European Union.
The revision of the Cybersecurity Act can contribute to strengthening the resilience and security of Europe’s digital infrastructure, it believes.
“However, the new framework must be carefully calibrated.
“The measures under discussion could have significant consequences for network deployment, investment decisions and supplier ecosystems in the telecommunications sector.
“Cybersecurity policy must therefore provide legal clarity, remain proportionate to the risks identified and give infrastructure operators the predictability they need to plan and invest,” it says.
ecta adds that it looks forward to working with the Irish Presidency, Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission throughout the legislative process.
