In the area of 5G, where network rollout is a national responsibility, the European Commission plays a supporting, but important role.

Having already put forward the EU Action Plan on 5G in 2016, the Commission prompted the charting of the EU Toolbox on Cybersecurity of 5G networks in 2019, following a request for joint EU action by the European Council. The Commission published the toolbox in 2020, in cooperation with the Member States, providing a common set of cybersecurity measures to guide the rollout of national 5G networks.

Connectivity

The Commission additionally provided recommendations regarding connectivity, the frequency bidding processes, and the spectrum policies. On 25 March 2021, the Member States, in close cooperation with the Commission, agreed on a 'Connectivity Toolbox'. The toolbox consists of a set of best practices that are considered as the most efficient in allowing and encouraging operators to roll out very high capacity networks and 5G.

The Commission also supports 5G research through funding opportunities and the 5G Public Private Partnership.

5G coverage by 2030

On 9 March 2021 the Commission published its connectivity targets under the digital decade communication, to support the digital transformation of Europe. As part of them, all EU households should have gigabit connectivity and all populated areas should be covered by 5G by 2030.