Whether it’s natural disasters, cyberattacks, or blackouts, radio has quietly proven itself as one of Europe’s most resilient and trusted lifelines.

As the European Commission is about to present its Digital Networks Act (DNA) by the end of the year, now is the time to recognize radio for what it is: a vital infrastructure that must be protected, supported, and embedded in Europe’s future resilience strategy.

In the blackout that hit Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025, power grids, mobile networks, and the internet all failed. But the radio stayed on. Public service broadcasters like RTVE and RTP kept their FM and DAB+ signals live, powered by generators. Communities huddled around battery radios in homes, cars, cafes, metro stations, anywhere they could to understand what was going on. It was a clear demonstration of how broadcast infrastructure can serve millions when digital systems go dark.

Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, radio has been a vital tool for millions, especially in occupied or contested regions, bringing trusted news and emergency alerts amid network blackouts.

Like all public service broadcasters across Europe, Radio France is here to serve the public, especially in times of crisis. When disaster strikes, our national and 44 local teams act swiftly, delivering real-time, verified information that keeps people safe and connected. Deeply rooted in their local areas, our stations remain on air under all circumstances, ensuring listeners can always rely on us.

Radio is not only accessible, immediate, and portable, it is also the most trusted medium across Europe. In an era increasingly dominated by global tech platforms and algorithm-driven content, it provides a uniquely local and dependable voice, particularly in vehicles, where Europeans rely on it for news and information, both in times of crisis and in their everyday lives.

The EU's Role: Better Resilience Through Policy

Resilience is a key theme of the current European Commission’s mandate. The aim is to ensure a better future for Europeans by anticipating challenging times, especially in areas of democracy, security and defence.

Enter the Digital Networks Act (DNA), a proposed EU law that aims to simplify and speed up the rollout of digital infrastructure like broadband / 5G. While the DNA’s goal to create a fully connected Europe is admirable, it risks overlooking one of Europe’s most critical and life-saving communications tools: broadcast radio.

To ensure Europeans access to radio, the DNA must support and protect access to broadcast services and radio as strategic assets.

What Needs to Be in the DNA?

As the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) is to be reviewed under the DNA, it will be crucial to include clear commitments to safeguard citizens’ access to radio in vehicles. Radio in cars isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. During disasters, it may be the only functioning channel for real-time, life-saving information.

EU legislation should therefore guarantee that broadcast radio (both DAB+ and FM) is included in all new vehicles across the EU. This means not only preserving existing provisions but also strengthening the legal framework by mandating the inclusion of a broadcast radio receiver in all new vehicles, including categories M (passenger), L (micro-cars), and N (goods transport). The growing number of micro-cars sold without radio capability highlights the urgent need for robust legislation to ensure universal access to radio in vehicles for all Europeans.

Don’t Wait for the Next Blackout

The next crisis will not wait for legislation to catch up. Whether it's a cyberattack, a natural disaster, or a warzone, people need reliable tools to stay informed and connected. Radio has proven time and again that it meets that need, unfailingly and affordably. It’s immediate, portable, and accessible to all, whether in a city, rural village, or refugee camp.

As the EU plans its digital future, it must also safeguard communication tools that don’t go offline when it matters most. The DNA presents an opportunity to ensure that radio remains at the heart of resilient communication, especially in cars.

The message to EU lawmakers is simple: if you want a connected Europe, you need a protected, prioritized, and promoted radio access in cars. This is about more than radio. It is about securing democratic access to national and local information, contributing to public safety across Europe.

It is time for the DNA discussions to reflect that. Because when disaster strikes again safeguarding radio won’t just be smart. It will be essential.

Want to dig deeper?

• Channels of Resilience [event]   
• Cilla Benkö: Radio must remain at the heart of the connected car
• Radio in times of crisis
• Mission to M.A.R.S. - Strategy for the communication infrastructure for essential services
• EBU calls on the EU to protect access to public service media in the Digital Networks Act