Message from the General Chairs
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It our my honour to welcome you to the 2026 EuCNC & 6G Summit in Málaga, Spain, for the key yearly gathering on innovation and future connectivity, proudly supported by our main sponsor Telefónica.
Málaga is a force to count within Europe’s technology landscape. With institutions such as the University of Málaga, the Institute for Software Engineering and Software Technologies of University of Málaga (ITIS), the Andalusian Digital Agency, and the Andalusian Technology Park (PTA), the region is driving breakthroughs in AI, edge computing, and sustainable networking solutions. This dynamic ecosystem in Málaga is ideal to explore innovation trends on wireless connectivity, in particular on 6G.
The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), backed by €1.8 billion in public and private investment over 7 years, continues to propel Europe’s 6G research forward. To date, the SNS JU has launched 79 cutting-edge projects, with an additional 20 projects recently selected for funding. These initiatives span system architecture, large-scale trials in smart cities, healthcare, and autonomous mobility solutions, all aimed at advancing core 6G technologies and reinforcing Europe’s leadership in standardisation, security, and industrial adoption.
At this year’s summit, we will delve into the critical themes defining 6G’s development, in particular how 6G is connecting Intelligence, which is the motto of this year’s conference. As the first truly AI-native network, 6G will leverage machine learning for spectrum optimisation, predictive maintenance, and self-healing capabilities, setting new benchmarks in efficiency. Sustainability is no longer optional and security by design remains paramount to safeguard critical infrastructures in energy, transport, and healthcare against evolving cyber threats. Finally, global standardisation and collaboration are essential, with 3GPP driving 6G standardisation efforts.
The program of the conference features a comprehensive range of sessions including keynotes, workshops, tutorials, special sessions, convened sessions, panels, poster sessions, and regular paper presentations across multiple tracks. The acceptance rate remains highly selective, ensuring the highest quality of contributions that foster collaboration among stakeholders and lay the foundation for impactful partnerships across Europe and beyond. This year’s summit also marks a historic milestone with a record number of submissions, demonstrating the vibrant research and innovation ecosystem driving Europe’s digital future. Sincere thanks go to the Steering Committee, Track Chairs, and the Local Organising Team in Málaga, whose tireless efforts have made this event possible. With over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries, this summit is a testament to the power of global collaboration.
We encourage you to engage deeply in the discussions, challenge conventional thinking, and seize the opportunity to shape the future of connectivity. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Málaga, the richness of the programme, and the privilege of being part of a community that is writing the next chapter of digital communications.
¡Bienvenidos a todos! Welcome to the future of 6G.
Thibaut Kleiner & Antonio Guzmán
Conference General Co-Chairs
