Overview   News

The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Meta, setting out its preliminary view that Meta breached EU antitrust rules by excluding third party Artificial Intelligence assistants from accessing and interacting with users on WhatsApp. The Commission therefore intends to impose interim measures to prevent this policy change from causing serious and irreparable harm on the market, subject to Meta's reply and rights of defence.

The European Commission has launched two calls for evidence and public consultations seeking input for the preparation of the EU's climate policy framework for the period after 2030. The focus of both consultations is getting information on the role of national climate targets and flexibilities and on the possible use of international credits.

The European Commission has adopted new rules allowing farmers to use REcovered Nitrogen from manure (RENURE) as a safe alternative to chemical fertilisers, permitting application above the limit set by the Nitrates Directive. This measure aims to reduce farmers' dependency on imported fertilisers, lower costs, and enhance the strategic autonomy of the EU agricultural sector while protecting water and the environment.

The Commission has adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear. By promoting reuse and recycling, these measures will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies.

The European Commission will award €404.3 million to 1610 postdoctoral researchers to work at top universities, research centres, private and public organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises. 1610 outstanding postdoctoral researchers were selected for funding among 17,066 applicants. The selected applicants represent nearly 80 nationalities. They will work in 45 countries in Europe and the rest of the world.

The European Union has launched its largest Chips Act pilot line, NanoIC, at IMEC Leuven, a major milestone for European semiconductor development and manufacturing. With a total investment of €2.5 billion, the facility has received €700 million in EU funding. NanoIC is the first European facility to deploy the most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet lithography machine, focusing on designing and manufacturing chips using technology beyond two nanometres.

The European Commission has proposed a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, as the war against Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary. The new measures target energy, finance and trade, including a full maritime services ban on Russian crude oil, restrictions on banks and crypto-assets, and export and import bans. President von der Leyen said the package aims to curb Russia’s ability to fund the war, noting that Russian oil and gas revenues fell by 24% in 2025, and called on Member States to swiftly endorse the measures.

This year, the European Commission will provide €123,3 million in humanitarian aid to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Part of this aid will also bolster disaster preparedness and response, given the region's high exposure to natural hazards.

The European Commission and India have launched exploratory discussions about India's possible association with Horizon Europe, the EU's €93.5 million flagship research and innovation programme. This initiative follows the recent 16th EU-India Summit held in New Delhi, where both parties reiterated their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation on trade, security, science, innovation, and mobility.

The European Commission has released new guidelines to ensure that professional journalism is recognised and protected across the world's largest digital platforms. These guidelines will help Very Large Online Platforms – as defined by the Digital Services Act – and media service providers implement the relevant provisions of the European Media Freedom Act.

The European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for its addictive design. This includes features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender system.

On 5 February, the European Commission found that Apple's online advertising service Apple Ads and Apple's online intermediation service Apple Maps should not be designated under the Digital Markets Act.

The European Investment Bank has agreed on a ETS2 Frontloading Facility, jointly developed with the European Commission, making €3 billion available to accelerate investments in the decarbonisation of sectors covered by the new EU's emissions trading system, notably buildings and road transport.

The European Commission has introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list of Cable Projects of European Interest. It also amended the Connecting Europe Facility Digital Work Programme to allocate €347 million to strategic submarine cable projects, including a €20 million call to enhance Europe's repair capacities.

The AD5 competition for graduates in any field of study is open from 5 February 2026 to 10 March 2026, at 12.00 (midday), Brussels time. Detailed information about the competition and instructions will be available on the dedicated competition web page, as well as in the Notice of Competition that all candidates should read carefully before starting an application.

In the context of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the European Commission unveiled an update of the European Code Against Cancer. The revised Code sets out practical ways to help prevent the disease and is the result of four years of work by over 60 European public health experts. The guidance is based on scientific evidence and is tailored to the EU population and health systems.

As of 1 January 2026, Ireland’s monthly minimum wage stood at €2 391, making it the second-highest in the European Union among the 22 Member States with a national minimum wage. Only Luxembourg’s minimum wage was higher, at €2 704 per month, while other high-wage countries such as Germany (€2 343) and the Netherlands (€2 295) were below Ireland’s rate. At the other end of the spectrum, eight EU countries had minimum wages below €1 000 per month, including Bulgaria (€620) and Latvia (€780).

According to the latest Eurobarometer, 78% of people in Ireland say the EU’s role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks should increase, as security-related concerns about the future are increasingly prominent. A majority of Irish respondents report high levels of worry about active conflicts near the EU. The findings show that people in Ireland look to the EU for a stronger role in addressing security challenges, in line with wider EU trends.

The Commission has opened an investigation to assess, under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the activities of Goldwind in the production and sale of wind turbines and the provision of related services within the EU. The Commission has preliminary concerns that Goldwind may have been granted foreign subsidies that could distort the EU internal market.

In the Inclusive Champion category, University College Cork has been acclaimed for its pioneering intersectional equality initiatives. UCC has introduced transformative programmes like reverse mentoring for women facing multiple biases, improved campus accessibility, and supportive policies for those undergoing personal transitions. They will join an elite group of 11 institutions creating lasting change in gender equality within research and innovation.