The Regulation (EU) 2024/1309, also known as the Gigabit Infrastructure Regulation, has introduced a new regulatory framework that promises to significantly improve the quality of Internet in the European Union.
Published on May 8, 2024, this regulation will begin to take effect progressively between 2024 and 2026, with most of its obligations applicable from November 12, 2025.
Unlike community directives, this regulation is directly applicable in all member states, which means it does not require transposition into national legislation.
EU members must act quickly to avoid infringements
This means that the established provisions are mandatory in their current form, although each country must develop internal regulations to ensure their proper implementation.
In this regard, Europe is expected to approve regulations that encompass the creation of a single information platform, the management of deadlines for permits, and the coordination of works, in addition to a sanctioning regime to ensure compliance with these regulations.
The regulation’s main objective is to facilitate the deployment of high-quality networks at a reduced cost, which could transform connectivity across the entire European region.
The articles 3, 5, and 10 of the new regime stand out for their focus on accelerating the infrastructure needed to support the demands of an increasingly interconnected world. However, successful implementation will depend on each country’s ability to create an effective regulatory framework.
The failure of member states to develop these regulations could lead the European Commission to initiate infringement procedures, even though the regulation remains in force. In this context, countries have the responsibility to avoid gaps that hinder the practical implementation of the regulation and, consequently, the goal of improving connectivity for all European citizens.