The EU's digital sovereignty package aims to reduce dependence on US tech, but faces challenges. Beti Hohler's experience with US sanctions highlights the risks of this reliance. The package's Cloud and AI Development Act (Cada) has flaws in enforcement and scope, potentially entrenching US dominance.
EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova commence June 15, focusing on the 'Fundamentals' cluster covering democracy and rule of law. The process involves 33 chapters across six clusters, with Hungary previously blocking talks.
The European Commission has sent a third letter to the Venice Biennale Foundation demanding further clarifications on Russia's participation in the event. The EU threatens to suspend or withdraw €2 million in funding if outstanding issues regarding potential breaches of EU regulations are not resolved within 30 days.
An adviser to the EU’s highest court has declared that the European Commission should have revealed details of its Covid-19 vaccine contracts, including a deal negotiated by President Ursula von der Leyen via text message with Pfizer. The opinion argues that secrecy prevents scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in contracts worth €71 billion.
An adviser to the EU's top court has stated the European Commission should publicly disclose details of its Covid-19 vaccine contracts, including those negotiated via text message. The commission had redacted information, citing concerns about 'conspiracy theorists,' but lost a legal battle and appealed.
The European Commission plans to propose stricter EU visa policies in the fall, targeting nationals from Russia, Belarus, and Iran due to perceived security threats. The list of countries may expand.
European supporters' group FSE has filed a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA, citing 'exorbitant' ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup. The group argues these prices are unaffordable for many fans.
An EU court adviser stated the European Commission should have been more transparent about its multi-million euro Covid vaccine contracts, citing a lack of clarity on the impartiality of negotiators.
The EU has ordered Meta to reopen WhatsApp to third-party AI chatbots for free, citing potential antitrust violations. Meta's recent policy banned rival chatbots from the WhatsApp for Business API, making Meta AI the sole provider, which the EU views as an abuse of its dominant market position.
The European Commission has ordered Meta to provide competitors' AI assistants free access to its messaging and social media platforms, citing antitrust concerns. Meta faces potential fines if it fails to comply with the interim measure, which aims to preserve consumer choice and competition in the AI market.
An analysis claims the EU's economic decay over two decades has been three times faster than the late Qing dynasty, challenging Brussels' narrative of Chinese overcapacity. The EU's per capita manufacturing output is significantly higher than China's, suggesting structural dependence on foreign markets.
The European Commission has ordered Meta to grant rival AI chatbots free access to WhatsApp's Business API, reversing a ban imposed in October 2025. Meta calls the decision 'regulatory overreach' and plans to appeal, while the Commission aims to preserve user choice.
The EU and UK car industries are urging the European Commission to adjust the Brexit trade deal, seeking a second suspension of tariffs on electric vehicle imports due to struggles in meeting 'made in Europe' battery production targets by 2027.
The European Commission is suing Ireland for failing to protect vital boglands from commercial turf-cutters, citing widespread flouting of EU laws and insufficient enforcement by local councils.
The EU is proposing "technological sovereignty" measures to reduce reliance on US and Chinese tech suppliers in cloud computing, AI, and semiconductors. The plan aims to prevent foreign governments from accessing "kill switches" for vital services and requires risk assessments for foreign providers.
The EU is proposing new rules to ensure no foreign government or company has a 'kill switch' over vital tech services, aiming to reduce dependencies on the US and China in cloud computing, AI, and semiconductors. The move could increase tensions with the US.
The European Commission reports that France has the fifth-highest child poverty rate in the EU, with 27.5% of children at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This rate has worsened over the past decade, contrasting with the EU average.
European Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu warned that up to 1.3 million jobs in the EU are at risk due to the ongoing Middle East war, particularly impacting energy-intensive industries and lower-income households. The 2026 Spring Semester Package highlights the need for targeted support and improved skills alignment with labor market demands.
The EU has launched a tech sovereignty package, including the Cloud and AI Development Act, to reduce reliance on foreign tech providers, particularly from the U.S. The plan aims to boost European companies and secure sensitive public sectors.
The EU is finalizing measures to boost technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign tech, particularly from the US. Plans include stress-testing public cloud usage, revising the chips law to boost industrial capacity, promoting open-source technology, and attracting private investment for digital infrastructure.
European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius expressed nervousness about the long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine, calling for accelerated military supplies and faster integration of Ukraine's military industry into Europe's defense sector.
SCMP reports on EU's tougher China trade policy, Putin's visit to Beijing post-Trump, and China's military driving away a Dutch warship from the Paracel Islands, citing 'miscalculation'.
The European Union is reportedly considering new restrictive measures against Russian energy companies Lukoil and Rosneft as part of its 21st sanctions package. Discussions are ongoing, with the European Commission potentially presenting proposals next week.
Hungary's new government, led by PM Peter Magyar, has agreed with the EU to meet 27 binding conditions by August 31 to unlock €16.4 billion in frozen funds, addressing concerns over corruption, rule of law, and academic freedom.
