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”?
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Analysis of EU innovation, consumer and tech policy
