Minister O’Donovan attends meeting of EU Telecoms Ministers at Brussels Transport Telecommunications and Energy Council Meeting
- Published on: 5 December 2025
- Last updated on: 2 February 2026
- Danish Presidency has focussed on simplification agenda through the Digital Omnibus Proposal
- meeting to cover a range of topics including Council Conclusions on the Competitiveness in the Digital Decade Programme, the simplification agenda and expansion of the Roam Like at Home Initiative
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, is today representing Ireland at a formal meeting of EU Ministers for Telecoms, in Brussels, Belgium, chaired by the Danish Presidency of the Council.
At the meeting, Ministers will approve Council conclusions on European competitiveness within the Digital Decade Programme as well as exchanging views on the simplification agenda and building resilience to cyberattacks. Ministers will also receive an update on the expansion of the Roam Like at Home initiative to Ukraine and Moldova.
Minister O’Donovan will also meet bilaterally with Commissioner Virkunnen to discuss Ireland’s priorities for the upcoming Irish Presidency in the second half of 2026.
Speaking ahead of today’s meeting, Minister O’Donovan said:
"Ireland welcomes the Commission’s digital simplification Omnibus package published on 19 November, which includes proposals to simplify rules on data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
"Ireland has strongly encouraged an ambitious digital simplification package, which supports the EU’s strategic positioning as the location of choice for trustworthy digital innovation, while maintaining a central focus on protecting data privacy and fundamental rights of citizens.
"Ireland is committed to transposing the NIS2 Directive in early 2026, as well as giving full effect to the Cyber Resilience Act – two key cyber security frameworks which will enhance and strengthen our national cyber security and resilience which underpin a vibrant and innovative digital ecosystem.
"Seeing the full value of these measures will take time, as organisations and supply chains adapt and develop; however, Ireland is fully committed to increasing our resilience and strengthening our capability in order to build a more secure and competitive EU.
"I also welcome the opportunity to engage with Commissioner Virkunnen to express Ireland’s view on the upcoming Digital Networks Act."
Notes
The Council Conclusions were discussed at the Telco Working Parties on 8 July, 8 and 30 September, and 16 October.
The main issues centred around adding references to fundamental rights and EU values, the prominent role of digital investments featuring in the Commission’s Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal, emphasising the role of digital skills and talent, and reflecting commonly agreed language on digital sovereignty “in an open manner”.
From 1 January 2026 both Ukraine and Moldova will have access to the Roam Like At Home Area with reciprocal benefits applying to EU citizens in both countries.