Egle Markeviciute - EU Tech Loop (Page 2)

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Egle Markeviciute

Russia to develop “traditional Values” AI, take jabs at Grok and China

Russia to develop “traditional Values” AI, take jabs at Grok and China

Russia and Belarus plan to build “traditional values” - based AI to counter U.S. and Chinese influence. While still reliant on Chinese tech, Russia ranks low in global AI indexes. Sanctions, brain drain, and chip dependency drive its $2.5B push for AI self-reliance.

European Data Union Strategy: let’s not avoid the difficult questions

European Data Union Strategy: let’s not avoid the difficult questions

The EU’s Data Union Strategy aims to boost AI-friendly data use, streamline rules, and expand global data flows. But GDPR remains off the table. Unfair B2B data sharing, lack of incentives for public institutions need more attention.

“Don’t regulate it into the ground”: European startups and VCs push to pause the rollout of the AI Act

“Don’t regulate it into the ground”: European startups and VCs push to pause the rollout of the AI Act

Yesterday, Sifted reported that nearly 30 industry leaders and 20 venture capital firms across Europe sent a letter to the European Commission, urging a delay in the AI Act's implementation.

Danish Presidency kicks off tomorrow: digital priorities at a glance

Danish Presidency kicks off tomorrow: digital priorities at a glance

Tomorrow, Denmark takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Poland, leading until December 31, 2025. Here's a look at the key digital priorities on the Danish agenda.

"Stop the clock" for the AI Act: the momentum builds (in the North)

"Stop the clock" for the AI Act: the momentum builds (in the North)

Momentum grows for delaying the AI Act as smaller EU states, Baltic tech groups, and Sweden raise concerns over unclear rules and readiness. While the Commission races to meet the August 2025 deadline, calls to “Stop the Clock” are getting harder to ignore.

Little movement on the digital front as the US-EU tariff pause deadline approaches

Global Featured

Little movement on the digital front as the US-EU tariff pause deadline approaches

As the US-EU tariff pause nears its July 9 deadline, digital trade talks remain stalled. The EU presses ahead with regulations de facto targeting US tech, sparking tensions over digital sovereignty, market access, and the line between sovereignty and protectionism.

Is the EU’s deregulation for tech in the room with us?

Is the EU’s deregulation for tech in the room with us?

The EU talks simplification, not deregulation. Despite promises to cut red tape, major digital laws like the GDPR and AI Act are likely to remain largely untouched. Cosmetic tweaks and harmonization are the focus, while new regulatory layers resurface under fresh labels.

The EU announces modest (first) red tape cuts to the GDPR

The EU announces modest (first) red tape cuts to the GDPR

The Commission's fourth simplification package outlined two digital-oriented changes: simplified record-keeping requirements under the GDPR for larger companies, and the introduction of a ‘digital-first’ principle for product legislation.

EP’s IMCO rejects AI Liability Directive, calling it a gateway to “predatory litigation”

EP’s IMCO rejects AI Liability Directive, calling it a gateway to “predatory litigation”

Yesterday, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) adopted its opinion on the AI Liability Directive (AILD), calling it “premature and unnecessary”.

Die Zentralisation: Germany establishes a Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization

E-governance Featured

Die Zentralisation: Germany establishes a Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization

Germany has recently established a new Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization, which could help improve its position in the EU's digital race and inspire larger Member States to pursue similar reforms- provided they are granted sufficient political authority.

Changes to US AI diffusion incoming? 'Alienating allies' is not good policy, after all

Changes to US AI diffusion incoming? 'Alienating allies' is not good policy, after all

Last week, David Sacks called for scrapping the AI diffusion rule, warning it alienates allies and risks pushing them toward China. The policy has faced a modest EU backlash.

EU’s €700M Fines for APPLE and META: power posing or the benefit for consumers?

EU’s €700M Fines for APPLE and META: power posing or the benefit for consumers?

The EU fined Apple €500M and Meta €200M under the Digital Markets Act, giving them 60 days to comply. But from a consumer perspective, are we celebrating real benefits - or are we celebrating “showing it to them”?

GPAI Code of Practice: reactions on the 3rd draft and consumer perspective

GPAI Code of Practice: reactions on the 3rd draft and consumer perspective

The EU’s GPAI Code of Practice aims to guide AI development, but critics argue it goes beyond the AI Act, increasing compliance costs and risking exposure of trade secrets. As the final draft approaches, tensions remain between creators, industry, and regulators.

Europe’s AI Continent action plan: too lean on the simplification and data part

Europe’s AI Continent action plan: too lean on the simplification and data part

Last week, the EU Commission unveiled its AI Continent Action Plan to boost AI adoption and leadership. While it generated buzz, much of it echoes earlier proposals—and key measures on simplification and red tape, especially around the AI Act and GDPR, remain thin.

Digital rulebook doesn't seem to be landing on the US - EU trade negotiation table anytime soon - but it should

Global Featured

Digital rulebook doesn't seem to be landing on the US - EU trade negotiation table anytime soon - but it should

As US-EU trade tensions rise, digital policy is still missing from the EU’s trade negotiation agenda. With global demand for cutting-edge digital services growing, real potential exists—if experts, businesses, and policymakers align on rules, standards, and shared priorities.

Russia legalizes trademark theft? Ericsson's case is only the beginning

Intellectual Property Featured

Russia legalizes trademark theft? Ericsson's case is only the beginning

Russia’s Rusklimat has acquired the Ericsson trademark under a law allowing unused trademarks to be re-registered after three years. This sets a dangerous precedent for foreign companies that left Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns about intellectual property protection.

European data troubles—and why the upcoming EU Data Union strategy matters

European data troubles—and why the upcoming EU Data Union strategy matters

As European data-based companies eagerly await a consultation on the EU Data Union Strategy (which is promised to be launched in 2025 Q1), it is crucial to highlight the structural issues for data sharing within Europe.

EU announces plans to include GDPR in simplification efforts: what do European startups actually need?

EU announces plans to include GDPR in simplification efforts: what do European startups actually need?

Yesterday, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announced that the upcoming Omnibus Simplification Initiative will also include the GDPR. While the core issues with the GDPR are unlikely to be addressed, the EU should consider expanding the discussion to better support European innovators.

European AI whirlwind week: Paris AI summit, Le Chat, AI Liability, and GPAI Code of Conduct

European AI whirlwind week: Paris AI summit, Le Chat, AI Liability, and GPAI Code of Conduct

European AI Whirlwind Week: Paris AI Summit focused on business, JD Vance criticized Europe’s AI stance, EU pledged €200B, while the U.S. and UK refused to sign an AI declaration. Mistral AI launched Le Chat, the AI Liability Directive was dropped, and the GPAI Code sparked regulatory concerns.

EU's e-commerce toolbox, digital fairness & the case of personalized ads

EU's e-commerce toolbox, digital fairness & the case of personalized ads

The EU Commission unveiled the E-Commerce Toolbox, proposing Customs Union reform, removal of duty exemptions (<€150), stricter customs controls, and stronger consumer protections. By 2026, the Digital Fairness Act may offer restricting personalized ads, impacting both consumers and SMEs.

Cutting red tape: no time for incrementalism. Suggestions for EU policy makers.

Cutting red tape: no time for incrementalism. Suggestions for EU policy makers.

With the release of the Competitiveness Compass this week, the European Commission has once again committed to cutting red tape. The ambition is commendable, but for real impact, the EU needs to avoid usual siloed, incremental actions and draw from best practices from across Europe.

The future of AI regulation in the US: will Musk change his approach?

The future of AI regulation in the US: will Musk change his approach?

Elon Musk's position on AI regulation aligns more closely with the EU than with the general MAGA narrative. Time will tell whether this stance was principled and continues or whether it was aimed at certain industry players with whom Musk has had disagreements.

Chips: how do Biden’s chip export controls affect Europe?

Global Featured

Chips: how do Biden’s chip export controls affect Europe?

Tech policy circles on both sides of the Atlantic have been abuzz this week regarding outgoing President Biden’s AI diffusion or AI chip export control measures which essentially divide the EU into two tiers.

Top EU tech regulatory initiatives to watch in 2025 and beyond

E-governance Featured

Top EU tech regulatory initiatives to watch in 2025 and beyond

Four heavyweight initiatives - the Digital Networks Act, the Digital Fairness Act, updates to Public Procurement Directives, and the much-debated Chat Control - have the potential to radically reshape Europe’s tech landscape, affecting businesses, consumers, and public administrations alike.