ACEA calls for connected vehicle safeguards in EU Digital Networks Act

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has called on EU policymakers to ensure the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) reflects the long-term connectivity needs of connected and automated vehicles, warning that the legislation will play a key role in the future competitiveness of Europe’s automotive industry.

In a new position paper, ACEA welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Digital Networks Act, arguing that the new framework must support innovation, road safety and technological neutrality as vehicles become increasingly connected and software-defined.

The association said connectivity has become a core pillar of the automotive industry, underpinning safety-critical functions, real-time data exchange, over-the-air software updates and an expanding range of digital services. As a result, telecommunications regulation is having an increasing impact on vehicle manufacturers’ ability to innovate and compete.

Among its key recommendations, ACEA welcomed recognition within the draft legislation that network-switching obligations should not apply where they are technically impractical, create disproportionate burdens or risk the security and functioning of vehicle systems. However, it said these exemptions should also be included in the legal provisions of the regulation to provide greater certainty across the European Union.

The organisation also called for the legislation to ensure connected vehicle services can continue to benefit from specialised connectivity services and guaranteed quality of service where technically justified.

ACEA said the Digital Networks Act should encourage widespread and resilient 5G deployment while maintaining affordable connectivity for the mass-market rollout of connected vehicles. It also backed the absence of mandatory network fees in the current proposal but urged policymakers to introduce safeguards to prevent unfair commercial practices and the emergence of indirect or de facto network charges.

The association further highlighted the importance of managing the transition away from legacy mobile networks, recommending that mobile network operators provide advance notice of network switch-offs or maintain minimum legacy services during transition periods to protect safety-critical vehicle functions such as the eCall emergency system.

ACEA also called for the legislation to guarantee that callback communications from emergency services to vehicles following a 112 eCall are always treated as emergency communications and provided free of charge, removing potential barriers that could delay life-saving assistance.

In addition, the association welcomed the proposal’s technology-neutral approach and opposed any mandatory requirements relating to FM or DAB+ radio receivers or radio prominence in connected vehicles.

Looking ahead, ACEA said the Digital Networks Act should actively support the integration of terrestrial and satellite non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity to improve coverage, resilience and continuity for connected vehicles across Europe.

The European Commission published the Digital Networks Act in January 2026 as part of a wider overhaul of EU telecommunications legislation, aimed at creating a more harmonised framework for digital connectivity, supporting investment and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. The proposal is now progressing through the EU legislative process.

ACEA said the legislation represents an important opportunity to create a future-proof connectivity framework that supports Europe’s transition to connected and automated mobility while enhancing road safety, encouraging innovation and strengthening the global competitiveness of the European automotive industry. The association said it will continue engaging with policymakers as negotiations on the legislation continue.