What's new in the EU

EU Policy & Law

AI Act: First Legal Framework on AI

The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act is the world's first comprehensive legal framework for AI. It aims to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence systems while positioning Europe as a global leader in responsible AI development. The Act will classify AI systems based on their risk level, imposing stricter requirements on high-risk applications in areas like critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and employment. This landmark legislation is crucial for ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in a way that respects fundamental rights and safety within the EU.

New EU law addresses AI risks, ensuring safe and ethical AI for citizens.

Continues: EU AI Regulation

European Commission

Climate & Energy

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

The EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets out a comprehensive range of measures designed to significantly boost the energy efficiency of buildings across Europe. This directive is a cornerstone of the EU's climate and energy goals, aiming to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and combat energy poverty. For citizens, this means more energy-efficient homes and workplaces, leading to lower utility bills and improved comfort. The directive will drive renovations and the adoption of greener building practices throughout the Union.

New EU rules for energy-efficient buildings mean lower bills and greener homes.

New: EU Energy Efficiency in Buildings

European Commission

Economy & Trade

ECB Governing Council Urges Single Market Boost to Strengthen Bank Competitiveness

The European Central Bank's Governing Council has highlighted the need for a stronger Single Market to enhance the competitiveness of banks within the Euro Area. This call comes as the ECB seeks to ensure the resilience and autonomy of European payments. Strengthening the Single Market in financial services could lead to a more integrated and efficient banking sector, benefiting businesses and consumers through improved access to finance and potentially lower costs. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to bolster the euro area's economic stability.

Stronger EU Single Market vital for competitive banks and stable payments.

Continues: Euro Area Economic Resilience

ECB

Security & Foreign Affairs

Main Suspect in Swedish Bank Scam Extradited from US

Eurojust has successfully coordinated the extradition of the alleged main perpetrator of a large-scale fraud scheme from the United States to Sweden. The suspect had been detained in the US since late 2024. This action demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cross-border financial crime and ensuring that suspects face justice. It highlights the EU's commitment to protecting its citizens and financial systems from sophisticated criminal networks.

Major bank scam suspect extradited to EU, boosting financial crime fight.

Continues: Cross-Border Financial Crime Crackdown

Eurojust

Rights & Society

Meeting highlights from PRAC 7-10 April 2026

The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) held its meeting from April 7-10, 2026. Key highlights included new safety information for healthcare professionals regarding Ontozry (cenobamate), with new requirements for liver monitoring due to severe liver injury reports. This ongoing work by PRAC ensures that the safety of medicines used by EU citizens is continuously monitored and updated based on the latest data. Citizens should be aware of these safety updates for prescribed medications.

EMA committee updates drug safety, emphasizing liver monitoring for Ontozry.

New: EU Medicines Safety Updates

EMA

Financial Regulation

JBRC Launches Call for Reporting Contact Group

The Joint Bank Reporting Committee (JBRC), established by the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Central Bank (ECB), has launched a public call for expressions of interest to join its Reporting Contact Group. This initiative aims to streamline and improve the quality of supervisory reporting by banks. Enhanced collaboration between authorities and reporting entities is expected to lead to more efficient and standardized financial data collection, ultimately contributing to better financial stability and regulatory oversight within the EU.

EBA/ECB seek input for simpler bank reporting, improving financial stability.

Continues: Financial Regulation Simplification

EBA

Economy & Trade

Monetary Policy Hits Harder After Big Shocks

A blog post by ECB economists discusses how monetary policy tightening has a more significant impact following major economic shocks. This insight suggests that the effectiveness of interest rate adjustments by the European Central Bank is amplified during periods of high uncertainty. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for EU citizens as it influences economic stability, inflation control, and borrowing costs across the Euro area.

ECB analysis shows monetary policy impact amplified during economic shocks.

Continues: ECB Monetary Policy

ECB

Climate & Energy

Europe's Fossil Fuel Dependence Risks Price Stability

Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, warns that Europe’s reliance on fossil fuels poses significant risks to price stability. This statement highlights the economic vulnerability stemming from energy dependence and its potential to fuel inflation. For EU citizens, this underscores the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to secure long-term economic stability and mitigate future price shocks.

Fossil fuel dependence threatens EU price stability, pushing for green transition.

New: EU Energy Security and Inflation

ECB

Digital & Technology

EDPB Annual Report 2025: Guidance & Dialogue

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has released its Annual Report for 2025, highlighting its efforts in supporting stakeholders through guidance and dialogue. The report details the EDPB's activities in enforcing GDPR and addressing new data protection challenges, underscoring its commitment to ensuring privacy rights for EU citizens. This report is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of data protection and how it impacts individuals and businesses in the EU.

EDPB 2025 report shows commitment to data protection guidance and dialogue.

Continues: GDPR Enforcement Updates

EDPB

Rights & Society

EMA Consults on Virtual Control Groups

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is consulting on using virtual control groups to reduce animal testing in medicines development. This initiative aims to advance ethical practices in pharmaceutical research while maintaining scientific rigor. For EU citizens, this could lead to more humane and potentially faster drug development processes, contributing to public health and animal welfare.

EMA explores virtual controls to reduce animal testing in medicine development.

Continues: EU Health Innovation

EMA

Financial Regulation

EBA Consults on Supervisory Reporting Simplification

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has launched a public consultation on major simplifications to supervisory reporting, aiming for a simpler, smarter, and more proportionate framework. This initiative seeks to reduce the burden on banks while maintaining effective oversight. For EU citizens, this could translate into a more efficient and resilient banking sector, potentially benefiting financial services and stability.

EBA consults on simplifying bank reporting for a more efficient financial sector.

Continues: Financial Regulation Simplification

EBA

EU Policy & Law

Poverty Eradication Demands Coordinated EU Action

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights that eradicating poverty requires coordinated action across local, national, and EU levels. This emphasizes the need for a unified strategy to address socio-economic disparities and ensure inclusive growth across the Union. The EESC calls for integrated policies to tackle the root causes of poverty, urging Member States and EU institutions to collaborate on effective solutions.

EU calls for coordinated action to fight poverty across all levels.

New: EU Poverty Eradication Strategy

European Economic and Social Committee