On 24 July, the European Commission sent TikTok some preliminary findings indicating that TikTok accounts held by minors do not meet the safety standards required by the Digital Services Act (DSA). On TikTok, minors can set their account to public. This means that any user, even those without a TikTok account, will be able to […]
Commission invites comments on draft new rescue and restructuring State aid guidelines
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the draft of new Guidelines on State aid for rescuing and restructuring non-financial undertakings in difficulty (‘Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines’). The new version will align the existing Guidelines with current social, market and technological conditions. The Commission invites Member States and all other interested parties to comment on the draft […]
21st round of sanctions: the EU deals a heavy blow to Russia’s energy, financial and cryptocurrency sectors
On 23 July, the Council approved the 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine. This package includes tough economic sanctions targeting the sectors that have the greatest impact on the Russian economy and on its ability to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine, and the […]
The Commission approves advance payments for Malta, Portugal and Spain under the EUSF to help them recover from the storms
The European Commission has approved advance payments totalling 103.6 million euros for Malta, Portugal and Spain under the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), with the aim of alleviating the financial burden of reconstruction efforts following the damage caused by the devastating storms that struck these countries in January and February 2026. The advance payments have […]
Commission fines Google €890 million for breaches of the Digital Markets Act
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Blue Book Traineeship Programme
Twice a year, the European Commission organises a five-month in-service training programme foruniversitygraduatesandthose with vocational qualifications. What are Blue Book work placements? It is a five-month paid work placement programme organised by the European Commission, which enables participants to gain professional experience within European Union institutions. The Blue Book internship programme aims to reflect the […]