Global Trends

Cullen International's report identifies three digital policy areas that are likely to be the focus of regulatory developments in 2026: the protection of national critical infrastructure, services and resources, the promotion of research and innovation in strategic digital technologies, and the protection of citizens and national enterprises in the global platform economy.

Telecoms

An EU-level authorisation regime for satellite services, a new EU access product, a voluntary "conciliation process" on IP interconnection disputes and a focus on network resilience are among the main innovations proposed under the Digital Networks Act.

Competition authorities gain call-in powers to tackle killer acquisitions

Antitrust & Mergers

A growing number of European countries grant their competition authorities discretionary powers to review mergers that do not meet the thresholds for mandatory notification.

European Commission proposes mandatory phase-out of high-risk vendors from 5G networks

Digital Economy

The proposal for a revised Cybersecurity Act (CSA2) would require the phase-out of ICT components from high-risk suppliers in key 5G assets within three years from their designation. The phase-out would also extend to fixed and satellite electronic communications networks, although no deadline has been set yet.

Grok under the spotlight

Media 

Commission executive vice president Henna Virkunnen sought to reassure the European Parliament about the steps that the Commission is taking under the Digital Service Act against the X's AI chatbot, Grok. Grok has led to the sharing of huge numbers of sexualised images of women (including child-like imaging) generated without their consent. Members of various political groups of the EU Parliament asked the Commission to step up the enforcement, and to introduce a specific prohibition under the AI Act.

Commission will probably adopt more measures to counter the online piracy of live events but no concrete details yet

Media

Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glen Micallef acknowledged before the European Parliament that the (non-binding) 2023 Commission recommendation "on its own is not enough". "The Commission stands ready to examine areas for possible further action", Commissioner Micallef said, as an insufficient number of illegal streams are being removed at the national level.

Digital Economy

EDPB and EDPS endorse AI Omnibus simplification objectives while calling for safeguarding fundamental rights

Digital Economy & Media

EU Digital & Media Weekly Report 

Americas Spectrum Benchmarks

Sustainability

Official Digital Networks Act (DNA) text confirms proposed new rules on the environmental powers of telecoms NRAs

Brazil strengthens anti-spoofing and telecom fraud measures

Digital sovereignty: European Parliament states its priorities on digital connectivity and cybersecurity

The DNA explained: general authorisation with a single passport notification under fully harmonised conditions

Antitrust & Mergers Cases

Apple, Amazon anticompetitive brand gating agreement in Italy 2021 (Update)

Online - 10 February 2026

1PM - 2PM CET/GMT+1

In this free one-hour webinar, Cullen International will bring together analysts and regional policy experts to discuss the evolution of IoT regulation and policy across the Middle East and North Africa. The webinar will also explore how different jurisdictions are approaching connectivity, data and digital services.

Mastering EU telecoms regulation

Online - March-April 2026

24 hours of interactive online sessions

Early-bird ends on 17 February!

EU telecoms regulation continues to evolve - and staying on top of the key debates has never been more important. Our online Telecoms Masterclass helps you navigate the EU regulatory framework, understand current policy discussions, and place them in a broader international context where relevant.