The focus of this special issue is the liberalization of the network industries in Europe. Within the issue, we look back at 20 years of de- and re-regulation. We also look into the future, say the next 20 years, and assess the possible evolution of these network industries, considering the currently observable trends in both technology and European regulatory policies. This special issue of Utilities Policy is structured within the three areas of the Florence School of Regulation. Three articles fall under the Florence School of Regulation’s energy area, which is directed by Prof. Jean-Michel Glachant. The next two articles fall under the Florence School of Regulation’s telecommunications and media area, directed by Prof. Pier Luigi Parcu. The final three articles fall under the Florence School of Regulation’s transport area, directed by Prof. Matthias Finger e although the article on the postal sector is clearly at the interface between communications and transport (logistics).