EU topics

In the context of EU legislation, we at BREKO actively address key issues affecting fiber optic expansion and digital infrastructure. Our positions on topics such as access regulation, sustainability and the digitization of networks play a decisive role in promoting fair competition and a sustainable digital future. We attach particular importance to maintaining competitive diversity, the inclusion of fiber optic expansion in the EU taxonomy, the promotion of future-proof technologies such as Wi-Fi 6/7 and the protection of critical infrastructure such as submarine cables.

FAQ

In Brussels, the fundamental regulatory decisions for the telecommunications sector in Europe are made, to which the German legislator and national regulatory authorities must also adhere. To ensure that the interests of alternative network operators in the German market are safeguarded in future EU regulations and directives, active involvement at the European level is of utmost importance. A concrete example of this is the regulation adopted in 2024… Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA). With the help of BREKO, among others, it was ensured that a duct access claim can be rejected if an expanding company offers either dark fiber or a bitstream product. This clause, which was quite controversial in the discussions at EU level, was and is a top priority for ensuring the profitability of investments in fiber optic expansion in Germany.

In addition, having a presence in Brussels is crucial to maintain continuous engagement with EU institutions, both on competition law matters and on telecommunications-specific regulation, and to report on the challenges faced by alternative network operators in the German market. Over the years, BREKO has built important contacts with EU institutions and is recognized and valued as the representative of alternative network operators in Germany.

From BREKO’s perspective, maintaining existing (ex-ante) regulation is crucial for the continued fiber optic expansion in the German market. The main objective is to ensure that high investments in the expansion of fiber optic infrastructure can be refinanced through fair pricing, thus enabling economically viable fiber expansion in the first place. At the EU level, there is a clear trend towards progressively reducing market regulation in the telecommunications sector and creating a unified telecom market in Europe. BREKO views this critically, particularly in light of Germany’s relatively low fiber expansion rate compared to other EU countries, and we are proactively working to represent our interests on this issue. This is particularly important in the context of the upcoming revision of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) this year.

Yes, from BREKO’s point of view, fibre optic expansion, operation and maintenance should be recognized as a sustainable economic activity within the framework of the EU taxonomy. Through the transition from energy-intensive copper networks to more energy-efficient fiber optic networks, fiber optic expansion not only contributes significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the ICT sector, but also enables the transmission of significantly larger data volumes with almost the same energy consumption, which can make a significant contribution to achieving the EU climate targets.

he current exclusion of fiber optic expansion from the EU taxonomy disadvantages the industry and complicates the much-needed investments in digital infrastructure. At the same time, it is important to streamline reporting obligations overall. In February 2025, the European Commission presented an initial proposal on this matter.

Yes, BREKO supports the EU initiatives to ensure the resilience of submarine cables. Submarine cables are a critical infrastructure for global communications and their security must be ensured in the face of geopolitical tensions and threats. BREKO calls for the EU to provide more funding to build redundant cable infrastructures and to provide repair vessels in order to

to prevent physical attacks or to be able to repair them as quickly as possible.

Documents

BREKO position on the ITRE Committee own initiative report “European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure” Download (94 KB)
BREKO Stellungnahme zum Weißbuch der Europäischen Kommission „How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?“ Download (507 KB)
BREKO position on the consultation on Guidelines on exclusionary abuses of dominance (Article 102 TFEU) Download (357 KB)
BREKO Stellungnahme zum BEREC Berichtsentwurf über den Stand der Kupfer-Glas Migration in der EU Download (93 KB)

Your contact persons

Alexis Bley

Public Affairs Manager Europapolitik

Alexis Bley
Lisia Mix

Leiterin Bundes- und Europapolitik

Lisia Mix