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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), 9 June 2026
Main results
Over the past six months, we have made major strides in our digital priorities, strengthening Europe’s connectivity, resilience, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. We secured the May agreement on the AI act and Omnibus VII, enhanced child protection against AI risks, and achieved a general approach on the European business wallet, as well as progress on Cybersecurity package and Digital networks act, key pillars under the One market, one Europe roadmap. While work remains ahead, these achievements prove what we can accomplish when member states unite with a shared ambition.
Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus
European business wallets
Ministers approved a Council position (general approach) on the regulation on the establishment of European business wallets, a digital tool designed to simplify and secure business interactions across the EU, both between companies and with public administrations.
Building on the eIDAS2 framework, European business wallets will allow companies to digitalise many operations that currently require in-person processing. By providing a harmonised European solution, European business wallets will enable secure, cross-border communication and document exchange for businesses.
The presidency presented two progress reports: one on the proposal for a regulation on digital networks and one on the cybersecurity package, which includes most notably the proposal for the regulation on the cybersecurity act 2. Both initiatives are part of the One Europe, One Market roadmap, aiming to transform the EU business environment into a true seamless single market.
The main objective of the digital networks act is to support the development of a robust, fast, secure, cutting-edge digital network infrastructure, so to boost the EU’s digital transformation. The proposed measures aim to facilitate cross-border business and incentivise market players to innovate and invest in advanced connectivity, to reinforce competitiveness and resilience and to evolve towards a more integrated single market.
Ministers broadly welcomed the progress made on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) and expressed support for its overarching objectives of strengthening the Single Market, boosting competitiveness, enhancing connectivity, and improving the resilience and security of digital infrastructure. The proposal is widely seen as a solid basis for further work and for advancing discussions towards a general approach. At the same time, several areas require further clarification and refinement. Delegations stressed the importance of ensuring legal certainty, simplifying regulatory procedures, and taking into account different national circumstances and market conditions, particularly in relation to the transition from copper to fibre networks.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of respecting national competences, notably in the management of radio spectrum and matters related to national security, while ensuring practical and proportionate implementation of the proposed measures. Further work is considered necessary on issues such as the single-passport procedure.
The proposal on the cybersecurity package aims to contribute to several key political priorities, including the strategic autonomy of the EU (in particular the provisions on ICT supply chain), resilience (through the strengthening of ENISA) and the simplification agenda (simplification of the certification schemes and of some provisions of the NIS 2 Directive).
Member States broadly welcomed the proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2 and expressed support for its overall objectives, particularly the strengthening of ENISA’s role in supporting operational cooperation among Member States and the streamlining of the EU cybersecurity certification framework. Discussions nevertheless highlighted a number of areas requiring further examination and clarification, notably regarding ENISA’s expanded operational responsibilities.
The proposed measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the certification framework are generally welcomed, with member states underlining the importance of maintaining strong national involvement throughout the certification process. The voluntary nature of certification also receives broad support, although some delegations raise concerns regarding certain proposed timelines.
Discussions on the trusted ICT supply chain framework identified a need for greater clarity on the methodology and procedures for identifying key ICT assets and high-risk suppliers, as well as on the scope and potential impact of the proposed measures. Delegations also underlined the importance of ensuring an appropriate level of Member State involvement in the framework’s implementation and governance.
Ministers held an exchange of views entitled 'strengthening EU–ITU cooperation for inclusive, secure and sustainable digital transformation', on the cooperation between the EU and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations, in presence of Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU.
The forthcoming ITU plenipotentiary conference will be defining the ITU’s policies and activities for the next four years. It will also elect the senior leadership of the organisation as well as members of different ITU bodies. Under today’s geopolitical circumstances, reinforcing EU cooperation in ITU matters and cooperation with the ITU itself are more important than ever.
In their interventions, Member States underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and the ITU, consistently calling for a unified European position in international discussions. Several delegations stressed that speaking with one voice enhances the EU’s influence and diplomatic leverage, particularly in the current geopolitical context.
There was broad agreement on the need to bridge the digital divide and ensure meaningful connectivity for all. The EU was recognised as a key partner of the ITU in advancing initiatives aimed at expanding digital inclusion. Some Member States also highlighted the importance of reducing the environmental footprint of the digital sector and strengthening cooperation on digital resilience.
Artificial intelligence was repeatedly identified as a transformative technology whose opportunities and risks require enhanced international cooperation. Many delegations emphasised the importance of a human-centric approach to AI development, governance, and standardisation.
Preserving the ITU’s core standardisation mandate was widely regarded as essential, with several Member States stressing that international standards should be grounded in human rights and a human-centred approach. The value of a multi-stakeholder model of digital governance was also highlighted.
Technological sovereignty of Europe’s public administrations
Ministers held an exchange of views on the technological sovereignty of Europe’s public administrations in the context of the EU’s strategic autonomy and the aim to reduce excessive dependencies in critical areas.
Member states welcomed the recent publication of the tech sovereignty package by the European Commission. There was a broad convergence that strengthening digital sovereignty requires reducing strategic dependencies across the digital value chain while preserving openness, innovation, and fair competition.
Delegations underlined the importance of ensuring resilient, reliable, and accessible public digital services, while maintaining the ability to cooperate with third country partners under clear conditions.
Several member states indicated that digital sovereignty is both a necessity, as a possible driver for competitiveness, with emphasis on reinforcing the EU’s capacity to develop and deploy advanced technologies and secure digital infrastructure.
Member states highlighted in their interventions the need on a risk-based approach to critical dependencies, interoperability, open standards, and portability to prevent vendor lock-in and ensure continuity of public services. Public procurement was underlined as a key lever to stimulate demand for sovereign, secure, and interoperable solutions, alongside increased use of open source and cross-border collaboration on shared digital infrastructure. Particular attention was given to safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring control over critical systems, and enabling public administrations to understand, audit, and when necessary, replace digital solutions.
Any other business
Under ‘any other business’, the presidency informed member states on current legislative proposals such as the digital omnibus and the European competitiveness fund. The presidency also updated member states on the efforts with regards to the protection of minors online.
Information by the Commission on 'an international digital strategy for the European Union: taking stock one year on'
Information from Luxembourg on the outcomes of the D9+ ministerial meeting
Presentation of the work programme by the incoming Irish presidency
