European Commission seeks participants for the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Internet Standards Deployment

The Forum's main objective is to develop multi-stakeholder guidance identifying the relevant Internet standards and best practices, describing the corresponding deployment techniques, and defining suitable timeframes for fulfilling selected network security requirements under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2690, adopted pursuant to the NIS2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555.

These requirements, outlined in Point 6.7.2 (j)-(l) of the Implementing Regulation, relate to:

• the transition to latest-generation network-layer communication protocols,
• the deployment of internationally agreed and interoperable modern e-mail communication standards,
• the application of best practices for DNS security, and
• measures for Internet routing security and routing hygiene.

The guidance to be developed by the Forum will serve as a reference for the relevant entities within the scope of the Implementing Regulation, including DNS service providers, TLD registries, cloud computing and data centre service providers, content delivery network providers, managed (service and security) providers, and providers of online marketplaces, search engines, social networking services, platforms and trust services.

Globally agreed Internet standards are fundamental to the stability and security of the Internet, and thus to the digital economy and society. However, the uptake and deployment of some of these standards and practices across the EU remain incomplete. The relevance of the Forum's work therefore extends beyond the addressees of the Implementing Regulation: it will also benefit from input by other stakeholders, while its outputs may in turn be of interest to them.

The resulting guidance will be developed to support both regulatory compliance under the Implementing Regulation and voluntary industry adoption, with the aim of ensuring immediate usability by entities subject to NIS2 obligations.

The Commission invites experts with relevant experience in one or more of the Forum's areas of work, as well as representatives of entities falling under the scope of the Implementing Regulation and representatives of competent authorities of EU Member States, to express their interest in participating.

The Forum is expected to start its work by the beginning of 2026 (tentative kick-off meeting planned for 21-22 January 2026) and publish its outputs within the timeframe of two years.

Applications

The call will remain open throughout the Forum's operation, allowing new members to apply at any time. Applicants wishing to join the Forum from the start are strongly encouraged to submit their applications no later than 12 December 2025, to be considered in time for the Forum's first meeting.

Submit your application

See also