BEREC has welcomed the opportunity to provide input to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the review of the Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) objectives. The rapid pace of technological change makes this a timely moment to assess whether the current DDPP targets and indicators remain fit for purpose.

In its submission, BEREC emphasized that the targets should continue to be relevant to general policy objectives and supported by all stakeholders. The revised DDPP should clearly link each updated or new target to the applicable policy objectives, reflecting contributions from the public consultation process.

Connectivity, BEREC notes, should continue to be assessed against the policy objectives set out in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), which remain valid. Promoting competition, connectivity, end-user rights, and the internal market for electronic communications networks and services remains central under the Code. Any updates to the DDPP should therefore align with these overarching policy goals, while the inclusion of environmental objectives, as suggested in the Commission’s call for evidence, would be welcomed.

BEREC also stressed that targets must be ambitious yet achievable. They should balance Europe’s needs with the effort required from public and private stakeholders, be attainable through current or future technologies, and adhere to the principle of technological neutrality. Consideration of energy requirements and actual demand is also essential to ensure the targets are future-proof.

The targets should be clear, measurable, and unambiguous to allow appropriate indicators to monitor progress. BEREC underlined that indicators should not be redefined during the target period unless they no longer reliably measure progress, and if changes are needed, introducing a new KPI is preferable to modifying an existing one. A review clause in the DDPP could formalize procedures for updating targets and indicators where necessary.

Finally, BEREC highlighted the expertise of independent national regulatory authorities (NRAs), which can provide critical input in defining and monitoring indicators. The DDPP review presents an opportunity to formalize the role of NRAs in shaping the programme and ensuring the effective achievement of its objectives.