30 Sep. Joint press statement from the associations ANGA, BREKO and VATM on the EU Market Recommendation: Industry Warns of Restrictions for Consumers and Severe Disadvantages for Competitiveness
Brussels, 30.09.2025. As the EU consultation on the Market Recommendation ends today, the industry associations ANGA, BREKO and VATM have issued an urgent appeal to the European Commission, warning against a major shift in European telecommunications policy.
Competition is the foundation of a dynamic, innovative and consumer-oriented telecommunications sector. It lowers prices, increases quality and choice, and drives investment and technological progress. However, competition does not arise on its own – it requires clear regulatory frameworks.
This is where the European Union’s market recommendation comes in: it defines the key areas where regulation is necessary, providing national regulatory authorities with a legally secure basis for swift and effective intervention. The currently discussed changes to the market definitions for Market 1 (wholesale access for the mass market) and Market 2 (wholesale access for business customers) are therefore highly critical. They would severely restrict alternative providers‘ ability to act, reducing market diversity and slowing innovation and investment. Consequentially, consumers would face higher prices and with less choice. Ultimately, this risks a return to monopolies, which would severely disadvantage Europe’s competitiveness.
In Germany especially, removing this rule would send a very negative message: it would strengthen Deutsche Telekom’s market position, support its push toward a monopoly, and seriously reduce competition. As a result, the private investment of billions needed for network expansion would be at risk.
ANGA, BREKO and VATM are therefore urging the European Commission to keep the Market Recommendation fully in place. It is a crucial component for fair competition in the telecoms sector, consumer choice, and Europe’s economic strength.
Contact:
ANGA: Dr. Franziska Löw, +49 171 567 2544, franziska.loew@anga.de
BREKO: Lorenz Vossen, +49 176 300 20 948, vossen@brekoverband.de
VATM: Maria Schlechter, +49 163 518 58 79, ms@vatm.de
