Vodafone urges Ireland to lead EU digital transformation during 2026 presidency.
Vodafone Group has called on Ireland to use its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union to accelerate Europe’s digital transformation through the proposed EU Digital Networks Act.
Speaking at an Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) event in Dublin, Joakim Reiter, Vodafone Group’s chief External and Corporate Affairs officer, said Ireland’s leadership in 2026 would come at a pivotal moment for European competitiveness and connectivity.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury. It’s the foundation for daily life and the industries of tomorrow”
“Ireland’s EU Presidency is a chance to lead by delivering a modern Digital Networks Act so people get better services today and Europe stays competitive for the future,” Reiter said.
The event brought together senior government officials, regulators, business leaders and academics to discuss how Ireland can embed next-generation connectivity into its investment plans. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, also addressed the gathering.
Strategic infrastructure
Reiter emphasised the strategic importance of connectivity infrastructure, describing it as foundational to modern economies.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury. It’s the foundation for daily life and the industries of tomorrow. From remote healthcare and smart manufacturing to AI-driven services and clean energy, everything depends on fast, reliable networks,” he said.
Vodafone welcomed the Irish government’s updated National Development Plan and the new National Competitiveness Plan, which both prioritise infrastructure. However, the company argued that the EU Digital Networks Act presents a unique opportunity to modernise telecoms regulation and unlock economic growth across the bloc.
The proposed legislation aims to address key challenges in connectivity, including accelerating the deployment of fibre and 5G/6G networks, harmonising national regulatory practices and strengthening network security. Vodafone is advocating for simplified regulation and increased industry support to encourage investment.
The company cited research indicating that Europe could boost GDP by €164 billion by 2030 through the rollout of 5G Standalone technology, with a potential fivefold return on investment. It also estimates that full digitalisation of Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises could generate an annual uplift of €628 billion.
Reiter referenced Mario Draghi’s recent report on European competitiveness, which highlighted the continent’s declining economic position relative to the United States. Europe’s economy, once 10 per cent larger than the US in 2008, was 23 per cent smaller by 2022, due in part to slower adoption of digital technologies and a $1.16 trillion infrastructure investment gap.
Vodafone warned that Ireland’s own economic model faces risks from gaps in energy, housing and connectivity infrastructure, which could affect domestic industry and foreign investment. The company said that leadership in artificial intelligence would require leadership in connectivity.
Vodafone has operated in Ireland for nearly 25 years and invests approximately €100 million annually in its network infrastructure. The company employs more than 2,000 people in Ireland and serves clients including FBD Insurance, CPL, FexCo and Sherry Fitzgerald.
Top image: Alex White, IIEA Director General; Patrick O’Donovan, TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport; Sabrina Casalta, CEO of Vodafone Ireland; and Joakim Reiter, Vodafone Group Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer at the IIEA policy event Securing Ireland’s Competitiveness Through Digital Infrastructure
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