Van Bellinghen Will Lead Berec Telecom Regulator in 2028
Telecom operators across the EU should note the upcoming leadership transition affecting regional policy.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Berec members elected Michel Van Bellinghen, current chair of the BIPT Council in Belgium, as the body's incoming chair for 2028. This leadership appointment follows a plenary meeting held on 1 October 2026.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a shift in the regulatory agenda for European telecommunications, as new chairs often influence the direction of policy coordination across member states. Operators monitor these shifts to anticipate potential changes in regional regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
Members held a plenary meeting on 1 October 2026 to confirm leadership for consecutive years. Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini is set to serve as chair for 2027, followed by the newly elected Michel Van Bellinghen in 2028.
The players
Michel Van Bellinghen
Chair of the BIPT Council at the Belgian communications regulator.
Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini
Member of the Spanish communications regulator, the CNMC.
The details
Berec operates through a mini board structure where incoming and outgoing leadership coordinate to maintain regulatory continuity. Michel Van Bellinghen, representing the Belgian communications regulator, will transition into the mini board in 2027 before assuming the chair position the following year. This process ensures that regulatory oversight remains consistent across the European Union during executive handovers.
Timeline
1 October 2026: Berec members held a plenary meeting and elected the chair.
2027: Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini will serve as Berec chair.
2027: Michel Van Bellinghen will join the Berec mini board.
2028: Michel Van Bellinghen will serve as Berec chair.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows the established annual succession pattern for Berec leadership. It continues the trend of rotating the chair position among the national regulatory authorities of the European Union.
Telecom operators should monitor the shift in regulatory leadership as these transitions often introduce new areas of focus for EU-wide policy. Tracking the upcoming term of the mini board can provide early insight into regional compliance expectations.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the regional regulatory level are key signals for long-term compliance strategy. Operators should verify their current policy alignment against the stated priorities of the incoming chair as they are released.
What happens next
Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini will commence her term as Berec chair in 2027, followed by Michel Van Bellinghen in 2028.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry leadership, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telecompaper.
