Digital Markets
The Digital Markets Working Group (DM WG) is putting efforts in fostering independent, consistent and high-quality regulation of electronic communications services and digital markets. A relevant part of work contributes to supporting fairer, more open and contestable digital markets by providing advice and applying experience to the set-up of the current and future regulations of digital platforms. In all aspects, the DM WG of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) is operating to promote sustainable and open digital markets for the benefit of Europe and its citizens.
Working Group Co-chairs
Work in 2026
In 2026, the DM WG will work on the following topics, based on the BEREC Work Programme 2026.
BEREC contribution to the implementation of the Data Act
The Data Act entered into force in September 2025. In the Data Act, independent national competent authorities with experience in electronic communications services are considered to be well-placed to ensure the application and enforcement of specific provisions. Some BEREC members have been designated as the national competent authority responsible for the application and enforcement of (some chapters of) the Data Act, and more members are likely to be designated soon.
BEREC’s contribution would be particularly relevant, for instance, in relation to switching between data processing services (such as cloud and edge services), the monitoring of switching charges, interoperability, or complaints handling, Internet of Things and more generally concerning the impact of such services and the Data Act obligations on the telecommunications sector. The contribution could take different forms (opinions, workshops, knowledge-building, exchange of best practices, reports, etc.) and will be adapted to the legislative timing and process.
BEREC contribution to the implementation of the Digital Markets Act
BEREC has been playing an active role in assisting the European Commission (EC) in the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). BEREC’s contribution takes different forms, e.g. bilateral exchanges with the EC, opinion on the interoperability reference offers under Article 7 of the DMA, contribution to the High-Level Group (HLG) meetings and the HLG subgroups.
BEREC will continue monitoring and analysing developments in the digital markets, as well as the impact and effects of the practices implemented by large online platforms. Special attention will be paid to practices which may not be addressed under the current legislation.
BEREC report on the competition dynamics of artificial intelligence and its impact on internet openness and end users
As highlighted in the BEREC High-level position on artificial intelligence (AI), AI has the potential to enrich user experience and complement traditional methods of accessing online content and services. However, AI can also affect the overall user experience on the internet, as it has the potential to directly influence how users access and trust online content/services and, consequently, their freedom of choice.
BEREC will produce a report to further analyse:
- the competition dynamics of AI markets (potentially including providers of related services when relevant). In this context, the report may also consider how algorithmic prioritisation can skew competitive dynamics; and
- the impact on internet openness – which can be defined as the ability of users to access and distribute information and content online, without unlawful interference or discrimination, as well as their ability to innovate. This can typically happen when AI defines the information and content which is suggested to users.
Why is this important?
In recent years, digital platforms have increasingly become key actors in the European economy, by supporting economic and social interaction, as well as citizen participation and bringing important benefits in terms of innovation, end-user choice and a wide range of efficiencies. However, given some economic specificities (such as networks effects and economies of scale and scope) and the fact that they provide a significant variety of elements of the internet ecosystem, namely through their own ecosystem of services and products, large digital platforms have the possibility and may have the incentive to engage in unfair practices, that can undermine contestability and negatively impact businesses and end-users.
To tackle the aforementioned issues, a range of regulations now target digital markets and services: the DMA, the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Data Act, the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), among others. BEREC has actively contributed to the discussions which shaped these legislations and is now playing a role in the implementation of some of them.