Broad coalition urges EU to preserve net neutrality in Digital Networks Act
June 11, 2026 16.09 Europe/London By Jörn Krieger

A broad coalition of media, technology, consumer rights and civil society organisations has warned that the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) could weaken net neutrality protections and create a pathway for the introduction of network fees in Europe’s internet ecosystem.

In a joint statement published on 9 June 2026, the signatories argued that the European Commission’s proposal risks undermining the existing Open Internet Regulation by integrating its provisions into the broader DNA framework while removing much of the legal guidance that has shaped the application of EU net neutrality rules. According to the coalition, this could weaken legal certainty and open the door to future reinterpretations of net neutrality principles.

The organisations also expressed concerns about proposed provisions covering IP interconnection. They argued that the European market for internet interconnection is already functioning effectively and competitively, citing studies by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) that found no evidence of market failure.

The statement specifically targets Articles 191 to 193 of the draft legislation, which would introduce an “ecosystem cooperation” and “voluntary conciliation” framework for IP interconnection disputes. The coalition said these measures are unnecessary and could formalise private commercial negotiations under a regulatory framework, potentially paving the way for the introduction of network fees.

According to the signatories, the proposed rules could have negative consequences for content delivery networks, the European creative and cultural sectors, consumer choice and the functioning of the Digital Single Market. They warned that further regulatory escalation could follow through future reviews of the framework.

The coalition is calling on the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to remove Articles 191 to 193 from the proposal and to keep the Open Internet Regulation as a separate legal instrument. It said the final legislation should promote innovation, competition and consumer protection while preserving an open internet.

The statement was signed by 37 organisations, including the ACT – Association of Commercial Television in Europe, BEUC, EDRi, Internet Society, Motion Picture Association, Videogames Europe, European Video-on-Demand Coalition, BDZV, MVFP, BREKO and VAUNET, alongside several individual experts from the telecommunications and internet sectors.

The full statement can be downloaded from VAUNET’s website.