Free ICT Europe has released its first 2026 interim report, After the Storm, offering a timely analysis of how shifting EU political priorities are reshaping the future of the ICT market and the secondary technology ecosystem. Drawing on developments from the second half of 2025 and early 2026, the report explains how policy focus has moved from sustainability alone toward competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and reduced dependency on non EU providers.
The report outlines major regulations such as the EU Data Act, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the upcoming Right to Repair Directive, while highlighting their real world implications for independent repairers, refurbishers, maintainers, end users, and the broader aftermarket. It also shows our approach and growing role in EU policymaking, including our appointment to the ESPR Forum, ongoing engagement with the European Commission, and actions taken to address restrictive market practices by major manufacturers. Our positions for the Ecodesign reviews of Servers and Storage and for Computers are not shared publicly yet. More information can be provided on request.
Beyond legislation, After the Storm captures the central message of the 2025 Free ICT Conference. Increasing market concentration, software driven obsolescence, and vendor lock in are creating structural risks for sustainability, competition, and digital sovereignty.
The report concludes with a clear call for stronger enforcement, user empowerment, and recognition of the ICT aftermarket as a strategic asset for Europe’s resilience and autonomy.
The full report provides detailed analysis, policy outlooks for 2026, and opportunities for stakeholders to engage in shaping a fairer and more open digital market.
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