Van Bellinghen Will Chair Berec in 2028
Berec members elected the Belgian regulatory leader to chair the European telecommunications body for 2028.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
During a plenary meeting held on 1 October 2026, Berec members elected Michel Van Bellinghen to serve as the organization's chair in 2028. Before taking the lead role, Van Bellinghen will join the Berec mini board in 2027.
Why it matters
This election establishes the future leadership trajectory for the European Union's telecoms regulatory body. By selecting chairs in advance, the agency ensures continuity in oversight and policy direction for cross-border communications.
Berec members voted to confirm the chair for 2028 during the 1 October 2026 meeting. The total number of board and leadership transitions remains subject to internal regulatory appointment processes.
The players
Michel Van Bellinghen
He is the chair of the BIPT Council at the Belgian communications regulator.
Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini
She is a member of the CNMC in Spain.
Berec
This is the regulatory body for telecommunications across the European Union.
The details
Michel Van Bellinghen, who currently chairs the BIPT Council at the Belgian communications regulator, was chosen by his international peers to guide the organization in 2028. Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini, a member of the Spanish CNMC, is scheduled to serve as the Berec chair for 2027.
Timeline
1 October 2026: Berec members held a plenary meeting and elected the incoming chair.
2027: Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini serves as Berec chair.
2027: Michel Van Bellinghen joins the Berec mini board.
2028: Michel Van Bellinghen serves as Berec chair.
Market Landscape
This leadership selection reflects the established rotation cycle of the Berec mini board governance structure. The transition ensures that regulatory authority remains balanced across different European Union member states.
Changes in regulatory leadership at the European level influence the long-term standards and policies governing telecommunications across the region. Consumers may eventually see shifts in cross-border roaming or service regulations as these leaders implement their policy agendas.
The takeaway
Selecting leadership years in advance allows the regulatory body to prepare for upcoming shifts in technology and communications law. Maintaining predictable leadership cycles helps industry participants plan for regulatory requirements well before they are implemented.
Further reading
For more on the key figures shaping international regulations, see our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telecompaper.
