Thirty years ago, in 1995, the foundation was laid in Bonn for one of the most exciting success stories in the German digital economy: the founding of eco – Association of the Internet Industry. What began back then with a vision of a connected, digital future has now become one of Europe’s leading industry associations, with around 1,000 member companies from over 70 countries.

Today, the association is led by Alexander Rabe and Andreas Weiss, along with a strong executive board team consisting of Oliver Süme (Chair), Norbert Pohlmann, Felix Höger, Klaus Landefeld and Silke Kanes. Together, they are committed to ensuring that Germany and Europe play a leading role in the global competition for digital innovation, security and sustainability.

The highlight of the 2025 Anniversary Year was the Internet Policy Anniversary Forum on 7 October in Berlin – an evening that connected the past and the future. Together with representatives from politics, business, academia and civil society, participants discussed the future of the digital society – while simultaneously celebrating 30 years of commitment to a high-performing, secure and sustainable Internet.

In his keynote speech, Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, emphasised the long-standing partnership and the high level of expertise that eco contributes to the political discussion. He particularly highlighted the association’s role in the Digital Summit of the German federal government, as well as its expertise and close connection in the field of digital infrastructures through its connection with DE-CIX and the Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany. He also acknowledged the work of the eco Complaints Office over the past 30 years and underscored his ministry’s desire to continue working closely with eco in the future.

The subsequent discussions illustrated the breadth and importance of the topics that eco has been addressing over the past three decades – always with a loud but moderate voice. Whether on the German Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), the Right to be Forgotten, the GDPR, data retention or WiFi third-party liability, eco has consistently contributed to political debates as a constructive, credible and solution-oriented partner.

Oliver Süme emphasised the tension in which eco has been navigating for 30 years: “We are part of the industry, but also a critical voice. Credibility is at the heart of what we do.”

A look at the current eco / Arthur D. Little study also shows that the Internet industry remains a key driver of growth and innovation for Germany and Europe. Digital infrastructures – especially data centres and telecommunications networks – form the backbone of digital transformation and are crucial for competitiveness, innovation and digital sovereignty.

30 years of eco – that’s 30 years of shaping the digital future, taking responsibility and driving innovation. And the journey continues.

Looking back on your tenure: Which moment was the most important milestone for eco in the last 10 years? 

In recent years, we have carefully but purposefully initiated the first generational transition in the association’s history at the leadership level. The retirement of the “founding generation” with Prof. Michael Rotert and Harald Summa, who shaped the association for decades, the appointment of new Managing Directors Alexander Rabe and Andreas Weiss, and finally my own succession of Michael Rotert as Chair of the Board was a multi-year process that we all planned and balanced very well together. I am very pleased that both Michael Rotert and Harald Summa continue to support us as honorary presidents with their advice and assistance and that we have established a powerful and ambitious dual leadership in the management. With this, we have made the association fit for the future and are ready to continue growing.

Today, eco represents the Internet industry in many political and societal debates. What are your wishes for eco for the next 30 years?

I wish eco for many new – and above all, active – member companies! The association and its staff are working intensively to provide the right platform for this, to create good framework conditions, and to implement the wishes of the members. But at the end of the day, we thrive on the commitment of our members in competence groups, networking at events, and developing positions and industry standards. With the new member portal, we have now ignited a turbo boost for member communication, which is an optimal starting point for the next 30 years.

Is there a personal anecdote or encounter within the association that has particularly influenced or inspired you?

I still very well remember my first meeting with Harald Summa 27 years ago in Hamburg. Back then, he told me about his ideas and plans for eco and invited me to get involved. I was immediately enthusiastic – and have remained so to this day!