EU: Regulatory outlook for 2026
Contacts
Regulatory and Public Affairs Director
Belgium
Ireland
As Regulatory & Public Affairs Director in Brussels, I assist companies facing an unprecedented wave of new EU regulation that will have an impact on every business operating in the digital and data-related economy. I help companies navigate complex EU decision-making processes and understand the practical application of the law to their sectors.
Of Counsel
Netherlands
I am a Principal Regulatory Counsel in our Regulatory & Public Affairs practice in the Netherlands and Brussels. I have a focus on tech and comms and digital markets regulation, drawing on in-depth business knowledge and extensive experience in TMT and public administration.
2026 will be a busy year in Brussels with a packed regulatory agenda, the key anticipated developments, include:
Digital Omnibus – First and foremost, 2026 will be the year of the Digital Omnibus proposals aiming at simplifying the GDPR, the Data Act and the AI Act. More detail on the package was provided in the Omnibus special edition of Connected published in December.
Digital Networks Act (DNA) – The European Commission will set the scene for an overhaul of the telecoms regulatory rulebook with a proposal for a DNA later in January. Important topics: ex ante versus ex post access regulation, harmonisation of spectrum policy, net-neutrality, cloud connectivity, dispute resolution mechanisms as well as potential simplification to encourage investment and innovation
Cybersecurity Act (CSA) – The Commission will also be presenting a proposal for the revision of the CSA aiming at making the process for certification schemes more lenient, complemented by a ICT supply chain toolbox and potential revisions to the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act.
Digital Fairness Act – In the Autumn the Commission will be presenting a proposal for a Digital Fairness Act aiming at enhancing regulatory safeguards for consumers in terms of addictive design, dark patterns and new rules for video games, unfair personalization practices and influencer marketing.
