EU Insight 23 January 2026

The Commission has proposed a revision of the EU Cybersecurity Act to strengthen the Union’s cybersecurity resilience and capabilities amid increasing cyber and hybrid attacks on critical services and democratic institutions. The proposal aims to better secure ICT supply chains, simplify certification so products are secure by design and strengthen the role of the European cybersecurity authority, called ENISA. It would also require reducing reliance on high-risk third-country ICT suppliers and revamp the European Cybersecurity Certification Framework, with default 12-month timelines for new schemes and more transparent governance. Finally, the Commission also proposes to introduce a single-entry point for incident reporting, as well as reducing costs for SMEs and small mid-caps.

COMMISSION UNVEILS NEW LEGISLATION FOR CONNECTIVITY NETWORKS

The Commission presented a proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), aiming to update and streamline EU rules for communication networks and support a more integrated single market for connectivity services. The draft law would harmonise today’s fragmented national licensing frameworks, including by moving to EU-level authorisation for satellite spectrum under a future European spectrum strategy. It would also introduce mandatory national plans to phase out legacy copper networks and support the roll-out of advanced fibre and mobile infrastructure. In addition, the DNA foresees a ‘single EU passport’ regime, allowing providers to register in one Member State to operate across the Union.

EUROGROUP BACKS CROATIA’S VUJČIĆ FOR ECB VICE‑PRESIDENT

Euro area finance ministers agreed to endorse Boris Vujčić, governor of the Croatian National Bank, as their preferred candidate for the post of European Central Bank vice‑president, which will fall vacant in June 2026. Vujčić would be the first Croatian to join the ECB’s top management, at the start of a broader reshuffle of its leadership over the next few years, including the presidency and the vice-presidency. His nomination will now go to EU leaders for approval, after the ECB and the European Parliament have given their opinions. Ministers also discussed Bulgaria’s entry into the euro in 2026, the euro area’s economic outlook and fiscal recommendations, and the EU’s response to heightened geopolitical uncertainty, including EU-US tensions over Greenland and support to Ukraine.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 26 January: General Affairs Council. On the agenda: Presidency priorities, rule of law, European Democracy Shield.
• 26 January: Agriculture and Fisheries Council. On the agenda: EU Bioeconomy Strategy, organic farming.
• 29 January: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: European Migration and Asylum strategy, Visa Policy strategy, 2026 annal single market and competitiveness report.
• 29 January: Foreign Affairs Council. On the agenda: Ukraine, Middle East, Great Lakes Region.  
• 29-30 January: Informal Meeting of Education Ministers.