The 2023-24 Activity Report of the European Broadband Competence Offices Network

Highlights of 2023-24

A particular highlight for the BCO Network this year was the opportunity to meet in person for a special two-day workshop in Berlin, in June 2023. Co-hosted by BCO Germany in the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure in Berlin, this workshop offered BCOs the opportunity to dive deeper into State aid (one of the most consistently requested training topics since the Network's foundation in 2017) and green procurement and mobile communication systems for rail transport networks.

The Annual Conference combined with the European Broadband Awards, were another very special and valuable in-person occasion of the year. Hosted by DG Competition and with the participation of high-level representatives from DG Agriculture and Rural Development, DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology, and DG Competition, the Commission’s constant support and encouragement of the work of the BCOs is so important and valued in times of many political changes, when many authorities reallocate funds and priorities foreseen for connectivity.

This highest level of attention from the Commission to the concerns of the BCOs' in ensuring the best possible telecommunications service for all has been further emphasised in early 2024 with the Commission’s White Paper on “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs”, and in parallel, the Recommendation on “Secure and resilient submarine cable infrastructures”, which specifically addresses the need to secure selected critical infrastructures.

Running throughout the year, the Network’s popular weekly online training sessions addressed the information and capacity-building needs of the BCOs, including a number of good practice and use case examples presented by members of the Network themselves. This year's particular focus areas included the new Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA), the updated State aid Guidelines, the updated Broadband Investment Handbook, the new Digital Decade Report, 5G - and security in particular, the topic of submarine cables, and a range of valuable presentations shared by the BCOs of Spain, Poland and Austria.

In October 2023, the BCO Network Support Facility took the opportunity to organise a workshop in the context of the European Year of Skills, as part of the 2023 European Week of Regions and Cities: ‘Rural regeneration and talent growth through digital connectivity’. The workshop aimed to highlight the importance of digitalisation and skills development for the sustainable development and revitalisation of rural communities, with broadband connectivity as an essential enabling condition. A range of valuable initiatives and learnings were shared by BCO Ireland, BCO Portugal, Skillnet Ireland and The Adecco Group, followed by dynamic break-out sessions.

The BCO Support Facility was invited to present the Network and participate in the High-level Rural Policy Forum on shaping the future of rural areas, organised under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency, with DG AGRI and the BCO Network’s sister network, the Rural Pact Community, in the rural Spanish town of Siguënza.

The Support Facility was also invited to the 2023 EUSALP Conference, where Alpine region stakeholders discussed challenges faced by mountainous regions. The development, sustainability and vitality of mountain communities and economies is greatly impacted by their remoteness and challenging topography. As participants discussed during the panel on digital and connectivity challenges, digital infrastructure and services can have a very significant impact on improving outcomes and prospects for these regions and their inhabitants.

Working to provide greater support to regional BCOs, the Support Facility additionally participated in several meetings with Italian regional BCOs, most notably at the bi-annual meeting of the regional digital coordinators in Milan, to discuss developments in the Digital Decade reporting, as well providing training to selected regional planners and decision makers on two occasions. These workshops were a valuable opportunity to address the importance of connectivity with local stakeholders, mainly mayors and municipal planners, dealing with EU regional funds. Delivered under the auspices of the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), these workshops targeting engagement with regional BCOs and stakeholders have shown the need to engage at local level where possible.

Looking ahead

The European Commission White Paper on “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs” and the Recommendation on “Secure and resilient submarine cable infrastructures” represent two key milestones which will shape discussions and workshops for the BCO Network for the months ahead.

In spring 2024, the publication of the new CEF2 Work Plan is expected, which will closely affect some of these key topics, notably submarine infrastructures, as well as the exploration of possible financial instruments to scale the required investments.

In addition, 2024 will see the adoption of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, which will have a major impact on the work of BCOs in their countries and regions, notably through the requirement of streamlined permitting and Single Platforms. This topic will therefore remain high on the agenda for workshops and discussions.

In 2024-25, the Network will continue its programme of online workshops addressing diverse topics in dedicated sessions. In addition, the Network has been invited by the Irish BCO to meet on 18-19 June in Dublin to explore these rapidly evolving policy issues that affect our work. The upcoming event, along with the Annual Conference in Brussels this autumn, is set to be a significant gathering for numerous BCOs and Commission representatives. It will provide a platform to discuss a wide range of priority topics, supporting the BCOs work.

Find out more

Find out more in the 2023-24 BCO Network Activity Report and the 2024-25 Annual Work Plan Summary. Explore the links below to discover how the EU and BCOs help broadband deployment in your country and region and may be able to support your project.

• BCO Network: Frequently Asked Questions
• Broadband in EU countries: key facts and contacts
• EU support for broadband roll-out 

This brochure was developed as part of the European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network’s work to raise awareness of EU support for high-speed broadband deployment and share good practices in broadband projects. Discover more interviews in the BCO Network YouTube playlist and more broadband good practices, news and resources in the BCO Network Library.