Europe is too slow and lacks ambition' says Macron
Emmanuel Macron urges Europe to strengthen its defenses and reduce bureaucracy in the face of threats from Russian aggression and American isolationism. [ more ]
Apple gives small developers more ways around its alternative app store tax
Apple exempts more developers from Core Technology Fee in the EU, focused on free apps without monetization or small developers with less than €10 million in annual revenue. [ more ]
Thousands rally in Georgia as Parliament advances foreign influence' bill
Georgia's Parliament is advancing a foreign influence bill critiqued for media freedom impact, mimicking a Russian law, amid protests and international concern. [ more ]
Georgian MP punches opponent in face in brawl over foreign agents' bill
Georgian Dream party introduces controversial bill on foreign agents prompting violent clashes in parliament and criticism from Western countries. [ more ]
EU candidate Georgia wants to outlaw LGBTQ+ 'propaganda' DW 03/31/2024
Georgian authorities are proposing a constitutional amendment to ban LGBTQ+ 'propaganda' and same-sex marriages, citing the protection of family values and minors.
Critics argue that the ruling party is leveraging conservative ideals to secure more votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections, potentially exploiting LGBTQ+ rights for political gain. [ more ]
Lithuania aims to enhance research in life sciences and biotechnology by retaining local talent, attracting international researchers, and promoting collaboration over competition. [ more ]
Facebook and Instagram face European Union scrutiny over possible breaches of digital rulebook
The European Union is investigating Facebook and Instagram over suspected violations of the bloc's digital rulebook, particularly regarding foreign disinformation ahead of EU-wide elections. [ more ]
Facebook and Instagram face European Union scrutiny over possible breaches of digital rulebook
The European Union is investigating Facebook and Instagram over suspected violations of digital rules, focusing on protecting users from foreign disinformation ahead of EU-wide elections. [ more ]
The European Parliament approved the creation of the European Health Data Space allowing patients to access health data and use anonymized data for research purposes. [ more ]
As AI accelerates, Europe's flagship privacy principles are under attack, warns EDPS | TechCrunch
Industry lobbyists are attacking key principles of the GDPR like minimization and purpose limitation.
The upcoming elections in the EU could result in a shift in the approach towards data protection laws, potentially impacting the high standard of data protection in the bloc. [ more ]
EU probes Facebook, Instagram over election disinformation DW 04/30/2024
The European Union is investigating Facebook and Instagram for failing to curb online disinformation in relation to political advertising before EU elections. [ more ]
Shein is shining so bright in Europe that regulators want to keep a closer eye on it
Shein has been designated a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) by the European Union due to its large European user base, requiring compliance with Digital Services Act rules by August. [ more ]
Europe to suspend TikTok rewards program, open fresh probe
TikTok faces a second investigation by the European Union for failing to comply with the Digital Services Act, specifically regarding its rewards program. [ more ]
EU opens probe of TikTok Lite, citing concerns about addictive design | TechCrunch
The European Union launches a second formal investigation into TikTok over potential DSA violations, focusing on mental health risks posed by the TikTok Lite app. [ more ]
ByteDance gets 24 hours to show EU a DSA risk assessment for TikTok Lite | TechCrunch
TikTok faces questions regarding DSA compliance with its new reward-linked engagement feature called 'Task and Reward Lite', raising concerns about potential addictive design impacting youth mental health. [ more ]
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck visited Ukraine, praising the strong spirit of the people in Kyiv despite lack of weapons and ammunition. [ more ]
Spies, agents of influence and disinformation: Russia redoubles its operations ahead of the European elections
Russia is actively engaging in hybrid warfare in Europe through espionage, disinformation campaigns, and influence operations.
Investigations are underway to uncover Kremlin influence networks targeting European Parliament members, particularly from far-right parties, to promote Russian propaganda. [ more ]
Macron warns 'mortal' Europe needs credible defence
Europe needs to revise its trade policy due to global challenges and risks like Russia's actions, disrespect of trade rules, and changing world dynamics. [ more ]
European leaders laud tougher migration policies but more people die on treacherous sea crossings
Politicians focus on human trafficking rather than the human tragedy of migrants crossing treacherous waters. Tougher policies are not deterring but encouraging dangerous journeys. [ more ]
The EU is preparing to expand its sanctions on Iran as a political warning after the attack on Israel
European Union is preparing to approve new sanctions against Iran, including extending restrictions on drones and missiles sent to proxies in the Middle East. [ more ]
EU's AI Act fails to protect the rule of law and civic space | Computer Weekly
The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) criticizes the EU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act for failing to protect the rule of law and civic space. [ more ]
The Guardian view on Gibraltar: a deal with the EU is long overdue | Editorial
Brexit veterans Cash and Francois engage in retro talks over Gibraltar post-Brexit status. Political climate shifts may lead to a deal before the European Commission change. [ more ]
EU lawmakers approve an overhaul of the bloc's migration laws
EU lawmakers approved a major revamp of migration laws to address entry management and far-right campaigns.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to determine responsibility for migrants among EU countries to ensure solidarity and shared obligations. [ more ]
Europe's Gaza betrayal has broken the trust of millions of people in the global south | Shada Islam
The European Union's failure to hold Israel accountable for violations in Gaza has raised concerns about its credibility on international rules, democracy, and human rights.
Criticism over the EU's double standards in addressing conflicts and the impact on its relationships with countries in the global south, despite continued economic ties. [ more ]
Top French court suspends ban on using word steak' on plant-based foods
France's top administrative court suspends decree banning plant-based products from being labeled as meat, citing serious doubt over legality.
The ruling comes as a response to complaints by the meat industry, addressing consumer confusion around terms like vegetarian ham or vegan sausage. [ more ]
Bulgaria, Romania partially join EU's visa-free Schengen zone
Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area after a 13-year wait, allowing free movement by air and sea without border checks.
Despite Austria's veto on land routes, Bulgaria and Romania's admission to Schengen holds significant symbolic value and marks an important milestone for both countries. [ more ]
Landmark bill approved by European Parliament after decade of negotiations aims to streamline deportation of failed asylum seekers and limit migrant entry.
Bill aims to give member states greater control over borders while enhancing E.U.'s role in migration management as a collective European issue. [ more ]
Poland votes in local elections test for Tusk DW 04/07/2024
Polish voters are participating in local elections to gauge support for the new liberal government led by Premier Donald Tusk.
The local elections serve as a test for the pro-European stance of Tusk's government amidst a close race with the conservative Law and Justice party. [ more ]
France presses China on trade and Ukraine ahead of upcoming Xi Jinping visit
French foreign minister addresses trade issues and Ukraine war with Chinese counterpart before Xi Jinping's visit.
Concerns raised by European officials regarding low-priced Chinese electric vehicles, disruptions in production, and need to investigate subsidies for Chinese auto exporters. [ more ]
Apple, Google and Meta face first formal investigations under EU's DMA | TechCrunch
The European Union announced investigations under the Digital Markets Act on Alphabet/Google, Apple, and Meta for non-compliance with ex ante competition rules.
The investigations focus on various practices including self-preferencing in search results, steering in app stores, and 'pay or consent' model used by Meta. [ more ]
EU slaps sanctions on Russian justice officials blamed for jailing Alexei Navalny
The EU imposed sanctions on Russian officials responsible for Alexei Navalny's imprisonment and death.
The sanctions involve asset freezes and travel bans on 33 officials and two prisons, holding Russia's political leadership accountable for human rights violations. [ more ]
EU top court upholds ruling on fingerprints for ID cards DW 03/21/2024
The European Court of Justice upheld the regulation of having two fingerprints on identity cards, citing the importance in preventing identity theft.
The ECJ justified the decision by stating that fingerprints are crucial for the interoperability of verification systems and can be more efficient than facial images. [ more ]
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal: We are not asking for troops from our European partners, but for military instructors'
European leaders are increasingly recognizing the severity of the Russian threat, with Denys Shmyhal highlighting ongoing hybrid warfare tactics in EU countries.
There is a growing sense of alarm in the EU regarding the Russian threat, prompting a shift in European politicians' mindset towards European security and defense capabilities. [ more ]
EU signals doubts over legality of Meta's privacy fee | TechCrunch
The European Union signaled disapproval of Meta's tactic to extract consent through a paid subscription or tracking agreement.
The EU is closely monitoring tech giants' compliance with digital rules, emphasizing the importance of abiding by both the letter and spirit of the law. [ more ]
Could Poland's promotion to Europe's top table be a turning point for Ukraine? | Paul Taylor
The revival of the Weimar Triangle involving Poland, Germany, and France can potentially solidify a common European agenda, particularly in supporting Ukraine.
The relationship between France and Germany within the Weimar Triangle is strained due to differing stances on military aid to Ukraine and internal political challenges. [ more ]
EU pledges 7.4 billion in aid to Egypt as it seeks to curb migration
The EU announced a 7.4 billion funding package for Egypt to bolster cooperation in various areas.
The agreement signifies an upgraded strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt, focusing on renewable energy, trade, and managing migration. [ more ]