The European Commission has unconditionally approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Google of Wiz. The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area.
This competition, showcasing the positive impact and inclusivity of regional development, is recognised as Europe's label of excellence for EU-funded projects and is now open to all beneficiaries of cohesion funding under five categories: ‘A Competitive and Smart Europe'; ‘A Green Europe'; ‘A Connected Europe'; ‘A Social and Inclusive Europe'; and ‘A Europe Closer to the Citizens'.
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to assess the impact of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and explore options for its review. The AVMSD coordinates national legislation across the EU for all audiovisual media, from traditional TV broadcasts to on-demand services and video-sharing platforms.
The Commission announced two projects in Egypt to advance renewable energy in the country. €34.3 million will support the Sokhna Green Ammonia project, deploying green hydrogen and related renewable energy initiatives. The other €90 million will contribute to the Egypt Grid Modernisation and Expansion programme, which intends to help Egypt meet its 2030 renewable energy target
Today, the European Commission has partially registered a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), entitled ‘EU initiative to protect stray dogs, stray cats and animals in shelters in the EU/non-EU countries'. The Commission considers the parts of the initiative that fulfil the formal conditions established in the relevant legislation legally admissible under the European Citizens' Initiative Regulation.
The European Commission's Action Plan Against Cyberbullying aims to protect the mental health of children and teens online in the EU. The Action Plan is built around: the rollout of an EU-wide app where victims of online bullying can easily get help, the coordination of national approaches to tackle harmful behaviour online, and the prevention of cyberbullying by encouraging better and safer digital practices.
The Commission is very much a three-dimensional puzzle. The number of moves that can be made within the Commission seems infinitely variable. However, unlike the popular puzzle, the Commission Rubik’s Cube is one that no one will ever be able to fully solve. There is ultimately a logic to the Commission’s unique kaleidoscope of motivations, identities and procedures. However, the Commission is too complex for its subtle functioning and diverse dimensions ever to be fully rationalised into a perfectly coordinated cube with each side a single coordinated colour. Read this week's blog post by Bobby McDonagh, Former Ambassador to the EU and UK.
This IIEA event will feature a keynote address by Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova and Chief Negotiator with the EU, outlining Moldova’s progress towards EU membership, key reform priorities, and the challenges shaping the accession process, followed by a panel discussion with leading academic and policy experts.
Agenda available via the link.
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.
