Joint Statement: Unleashing Europe’s Digital Potential Through Powerful Connectivity – A Call For Bold Action

The time for incremental progress is behind us. We support ambitious policy action to overcome existing bottlenecks in investment, innovation and scale in our technology and telecommunications market. The ultimate objective is to empower citizens and businesses by developing European leadership across critical technologies, empowering economic competitiveness through digitalization and supporting socio-economic growth with world-class digital networks. 

The need of European digital infrastructures fit for global competition

The landmark Draghi report has made one thing abundantly clear: without robust, scalable, and future-ready telecom networks, Europe risks being left behind in the global race for digital leadership. Connectivity is no longer just about faster internet speeds. It is the bedrock of Europe’s economic sovereignty, enabling transformative technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, accelerating the green transition, and providing the foundation for cybersecurity resilience in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. 

Denmark stands as a powerful testament to what digital excellence can look like. With telecommunications directly contributing 1.6% to its GDP, generating DKK 45.1 billion in economic value, and powering critical advancements in productivity, sustainability, and national resilience, Denmark’s telecom sector exemplifies the potential of strong digital infrastructure. 

Yet, despite Denmark’s strong track record in digital excellence, investment in its telecom sector is stagnating, and regulatory barriers continue to hinder growth. According to a recent study by Copenhagen Economics, investment levels in Denmark have declined by 11% since 2021 (adjusted for inflation), with returns remaining modest. This trend is not unique to Denmark but reflects a broader European challenge. The latest State of Digital Communications report highlights that in 2023, telecom investment per capita in Europe stood at just EUR 117.9 – half that of the USA (EUR 226.4) and significantly lower than in Japan (EUR 187.6) and South Korea (EUR 173.1).

Our plea to seize the opportunity during the Danish Presidency of the EU

The upcoming Danish Presidency of the EU presents a rare and invaluable opportunity to break free from the cycle of underinvestment and to advance bold, transformative digital policies that will secure Europe’s position as a global digital leader for generations to come. We encourage the Presidency to:

• Move to implement Mario Draghi’s Competitiveness Report, with particular regard to his analysis and proposed actions in the fields of digital technology and connectivity. This is key to achieve increased productivity and improved competitiveness across sectors of the European economy.

• Promote simplification and pro-innovation policies across the board. First, through a swift adoption of concrete measures to implement the EC Omnibus for cutting red tape and simplifying legislation. Second, by promoting an industrial policy that supports collaboration among/and innovation by European companies in technology.

• Support the Digital Networks Act, ensuring the urgent creation of a regulatory environment that facilitates large-scale investment in 5G and FTTH across all European countries while enabling Europe to lead the next wave of connectivity. This is crucial to support a thriving digital economy that empowers all users, from SMEs to large corporations, from public administration to civil society.

Europe cannot afford to wait

The world is not standing still, and neither should Europe. In an era where digital leadership is critical to economic success and societal well-being, Europe cannot afford to fall behind. Without immediate, coordinated, and strategic action, the continent risks losing ground to global competitors who are making bold strides in digital connectivity and innovation.

As leading voices in the European and Danish telecom industries, we stand united in our commitment to work alongside policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders across Europe. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Europe’s digital future. Now is the time for bold, transformative action, unwavering commitment to investment, innovation, and the political will to make the digital transformation a reality.

Joint statement by Connect Europe and Danish industry associations Teleindustrien, Dansk Industri and Dansk Erhverv.