WHAT IS THE DIGITAL NETWORKS ACT?

The Digital Networks Act (DNA) is a proposed new EU regulation that will modernise the legal framework for telecommunications and connectivity across Europe. Published by the European Commission in January 2026, the DNA aims to simplify and harmonise rules for digital networks while boosting resilience, innovation, and investment in Europe’s digital infrastructure.

Once adopted, the proposal will replace the current European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) and merge several existing telecoms rules into one directly applicable regulation. It also introduces new measures related to preparedness, network resilience, cross-border connectivity, and emergency communications.

For the emergency communications sector, the proposal largely maintains the existing obligations related to access to 112 and public warning systems, while further clarifying and strengthening them. The DNA places particular emphasis on ensuring reliable access to emergency services during network disruptions, improving preparedness and testing requirements, supporting roaming users’ access to emergency services, and strengthening cross-border emergency communications.

Following the publication of the proposal by the European Commission in January 2026, the European Parliament, representing the EU citizens and the Council of the European Union, representing the Member States’ governments now have to adopt the text in the same words and may amend the text. The two institutions are currently in the process of defining their position on all the provisions and negotiating amendments to the proposal.

Learn more here (the European Commission).

For EENA members, you can read the main elements on emergency communications and public warning in the DNA on our Members’ Area.

EENA’s position

EENA welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Networks Act, which reflects many of the issues and priorities EENA and its members have consistently raised with EU institutions in recent years.

The proposal is an important step towards improving legal clarity and strengthening the resilience of emergency communications and public warning systems, helping ensure that 112 remains accessible even when networks are under pressure.

At the same time, some provisions will require further clarification to avoid unintended consequences and ensure consistent implementation across Member States. EENA will therefore continue engaging with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union throughout the legislative process to support targeted improvements that strengthen public safety and emergency communications.

EENA is currently consolidating its position and will respond to the European Commission open consultation on the proposal by 15 June 2026. The position will be published on this webpage.

What is EENA doing?

In 2025, EENA responded to the European Commission call for evidence on the Digital Networks Act. The response can be accessed here. Before January 2026, EENA met with European Commission representatives to relay its concerns regarding the current legislative framework.

In 2026, EENA has also met with several Members of the European Parliament and their staff, as well as attachés at the Member States’ Permanent Representatives to express its opinion on the proposal.

How can EENA members contribute?

Once adopted, the DNA will have a considerable impact on the way emergency communications are processed and public warning messages are transmitted in the European Union. The adoption process is the last chance to make your voice heard and try to shape the upcoming legislation. To learn more about how you can contribute to it, contact Benoit Vivier at [email protected].