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Revolut under pressure in Hungary: demands for ATM access in remote areas, fintech called 'a free-rider' Infra Platforms

Revolut under pressure in Hungary: demands for ATM access in remote areas, fintech called 'a free-rider'

by Zoltán Kész

Hungary's government is forcing banks to fund ATMs in remote areas, calling it equal access to cash. Revolut, with no physical branches, is labeled a "free rider" for not contributing. Critics say this distorts competition and serves political interests over consumers.

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

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

by Egle Markeviciute

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.

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

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

by Egle Markeviciute

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.

Top EU tech regulatory initiatives to watch in 2025 and beyond Infra Security Privacy Platforms

Top EU tech regulatory initiatives to watch in 2025 and beyond

by Egle Markeviciute

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.

E-GOV OWL: How did Central and Eastern European governments perform in their digital transformation efforts this year? Platforms

E-GOV OWL: How did Central and Eastern European governments perform in their digital transformation efforts this year?

by Egle Markeviciute

Welcome to the second edition of E-GOV OWL: Central and Eastern Europe. This edition explores digital transformation initiatives and key legislative and institutional developments in CEE governments from June to December 2024.

Hungarian response to the role of Western social media: digital sovereignty or digital censorship? Platforms

Hungarian response to the role of Western social media: digital sovereignty or digital censorship?

by Zoltán Kész

The Hungarians criticize foreign interference in Romanian elections via social media, likening Western platforms to CCP propaganda. This may result in stricter media controls ahead of its 2026 elections.

EU Tech Loop wrap-up: November 2024 AI Data Infra Platforms

EU Tech Loop wrap-up: November 2024

by EU TECH LOOP

In this month’s EU Tech Loop wrap-up we dive into the EU's digital future: the EU Commission’s tech agenda, Digital Networks Act, Ukraine’s e-gov lessons, AI sandbox progress, BRICS digital sovereignty, EU red tape cuts, and EU-US tech ties.

Meet the next College of EU Commissioners: what’s the agenda for tech? AI Data Infra Platforms

Meet the next College of EU Commissioners: what’s the agenda for tech?

by Egle Markeviciute

We analyzed Ursula von der Leyen's mission letters to Commissioners, highlighting key agenda points for European tech over five years, focusing on their impact on competitiveness, consumers, innovation, and public administrations in EU Member States.

What can the EU learn from Ukraine’s digital transformation? Data Platforms

What can the EU learn from Ukraine’s digital transformation?

by Egle Markeviciute

Since Russia's aggression began, Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation has gained attention for its cutting-edge, user-friendly e-government solutions that ensure service continuity and set a global standard. Here’s a look at initiatives the EU can learn from

Infinite scroll and auto-play unjustly under fire Platforms

Infinite scroll and auto-play unjustly under fire

by Bill Wirtz

About a year ago, the European Parliament addressed once again the now mainstream concern of the "addictiveness" of social media, claiming that features such as infinite scroll and auto-playing videos are to blame for hocking users to their apps.

Outcomes of introducing network fees in South Korea: the impact on consumers and internet experience Infra Platforms

Outcomes of introducing network fees in South Korea: the impact on consumers and internet experience

by Shrey Madaan

Imposing network fees (a newer concept for ‘fair share’) is not an idea exceptional to the European Union. South Korea, a country known for its technological innovation and global leader in internet infrastructure, introduced network fees back in 2016.

EU Tech Loop wrap-up: September 2024 AI Data Infra Platforms

EU Tech Loop wrap-up: September 2024

by EU TECH LOOP

EU's September was rich in tech and telco debates: the proposed Commissioners were revealed, Draghi published his competitiveness proposals, the Commission's consultation results on digital infrastructure needs were released.

Analysis of EU innovation, consumer and tech policy