Last July 23, the European Commission took two decisions finding non-compliance by Google with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for self-preferencing its own services on Google Search, and for putting in place restrictions on businesses to direct consumers to alternative, often cheaper, purchase channels on Google Play (steering). In this regard, the Commission issued Google a […]
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The ECB unveils the shortlisted designs for the new banknotes and launches a survey
On the 23rd, the European Central Bank (ECB) unveiled the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a survey to gather the views of citizens across Europe. These proposals are inspired by two themes, ‘European culture’ and ‘Rivers and birds’, as well as the motifs chosen to illustrate them. “Euro […]
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EU countries have approved the UK’s involvement to help meet Ukraine’s urgent defence needs
On 22 July, EU countries approved the UK’s participation in the loan to support Ukraine, a €90 billion package to help meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs in 2026 and 2027 as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression. “The EU’s solidarity with Ukraine is a key priority of the Irish Presidency. Today’s approval reflects […]
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Commission concludes eligibility checks for two European Citizens’ Initiatives
Last July 22, the European Commission concluded the eligibility checks for the registration requests of two European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘ and ‘Save Europe Act‘. The Commission registered the initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘. The organisers ‘call […]
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European Commission renews its commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Last July 22, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights. It confirms that the Pillar remains the EU’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of fast transformation, for a Europe that protects and empowers citizens. The Communication assesses progress made in strengthening social rights across the EU and […]
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The digital product passport register comes into operation
On 20 July, the European Commission launched the digital product passport register. The digital product passport will contain information on various products, such as their origin, reuse options, instructions for use and regulatory compliance. It will normally be available via a QR code or a similar digital format. It will increase transparency in supply chains […]
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The Commission fines AliExpress €550 million for breaching the Digital Services Act
On 20 July, the European Commission fined AliExpress €550 million for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to diligently assess and mitigate risks associated with the sale of illegal, unsafe or counterfeit products on its e-commerce platform. The Commission has ordered the platform to take action in this regard. Failure […]
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Commission provides clarity on how to effectively implement EU rules to reduce methane emissions
The conflict in the Middle East has forced the EU to compete for supplies on global oil and gas markets, which have seen a significant reduction in supply and increased prices. Against the backdrop of such global uncertainty and energy markets tightness, the European Commission is working with Member States and industry to ensure that […]
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The Commission publishes guidelines on transparency obligations for providers and operators of certain AI systems
On 20 July, the European Commission published guidelines to help providers and those implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems to comply with the transparency obligations under the AI Act, which will come into force on 2 August 2026. The transparency obligations will help people recognise when they are interacting with AI or when content has been […]
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