European Commission launches Multi-Stakeholder Forum to guide Internet standards deployment under NIS2
The Forum will produce practical guidance for DNS operators, cloud providers, and online platforms to improve network-layer, e-mail, and routing security. Applications are open until 12 December 2025, ahead of the Forum’s first meeting in January 2026.
The European Commission has opened a call for participants to join the new Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Internet Standards Deployment, an initiative designed to strengthen the implementation of key Internet security standards across the European Union. The Forum will play a central role in helping entities meet the technical requirements introduced by the NIS2 Directive and its Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2690, which sets detailed cybersecurity obligations for operators of essential and digital services.
The Forum’s core mission is to develop practical, multistakeholder guidance identifying the most relevant Internet standards and best practices, outlining deployment techniques, and defining realistic timelines for compliance. The work will focus on four main areas: transitioning to modern network-layer communication protocols, deploying interoperable email standards, applying DNS security best practices, and improving Internet routing security and hygiene.
The guidance will serve as a reference document for entities covered by the Implementing Regulation, including DNS providers, top-level domain registries, data centres, cloud services, content delivery networks, online platforms, social networks, marketplaces, and trust-service providers. By aligning industry practice with international technical standards, the Commission aims to ensure both regulatory compliance and voluntary adoption of secure Internet protocols.
Although participation is primarily intended for entities under NIS2 obligations, the Forum’s work will also draw on the expertise of a broad range of stakeholders from academia, civil society, and the private sector. Experts with experience in internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, or protocol implementation, as well as representatives of national authorities, are invited to apply.
The Forum’s inaugural meeting is tentatively planned for 21–22 January 2026, with work expected to continue for two years. The call for participation will remain open throughout the Forum’s operation, but those wishing to join from the start are encouraged to submit applications by 12 December 2025.
