Seventeen presidents of European telecommunications operators, including Meo CEO Ana Figueiredo, sent a letter to the main European institutions calling for the correction of the Digital Networks and Cybersecurity laws. The letter, titled "Setting the Course Right to Support European Technological Leadership," was sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and President of the European Council António Costa. Among the signatories are also the CEOs of the Orange group, Christel Heydemann, and of Telefónica, Marc Murtra.
The leaders warn that European connectivity networks, which they consider to be the foundation of the continent's technological infrastructure, are at risk due to incoherent policy reforms. The European competitiveness ecosystem contributes 5% of GDP and telecommunications operators invest 64 billion euros annually. However, Europe still needs 475 billion euros to achieve world-class networks in the mobile segment alone, which requires a qualitative leap in investments.
Regarding the Digital Networks Act, the CEOs consider that the current proposal does not meet Europe's need to substantially improve investment and innovation conditions in connectivity. Regarding the Cybersecurity Act, they warn that the proposed widespread equipment removal requirements could impose on the sector replacement costs of up to 40 billion euros, draining precisely the capital needed for investments in fiber, 5G and 6G.
The signatories advocate for a proportionate and risk-based approach, taking into account alternative mitigation measures rather than broad restrictions. They state they are ready to play their role in achieving European technological leadership, offering secure military communications, drone detection, cybersecurity shields and satellite communication services, and call for the ongoing reforms to be corrected to empower the sector to invest more.
