The European Commission has classified the WhatsApp channels feature as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) service, subjecting it to VLOP rules under the Digital Services Act. The private messaging service remains exempt from these rules.
By Corinna Visser
According to the German electrical and digital association ZVEI, electrical exports to other European Union countries had compensated for increased exports to China and the US by 2025. Despite this, ZVEI President Gunther Kegel emphasized the importance of diversification. Local content requirements should remain temporary exceptions, he said.
By Corinna Visser
At intergovernmental consultations between Germany and Italy in Rome, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed an agreement for greater collaboration on European defense issues.
By Almut Siefert
The Greens in Germany are campaigning for more international trade agreements, thereby openly breaking with their own group in the European Parliament. The party leadership is calling for new agreements with India and accession to the ACCTS agreement.
By Sven Siebert
The European Union has concluded the first agreement of its kind in Latin America with Ecuador to facilitate sustainable investment. It is intended to improve the business environment while safeguarding environmental and social standards.
By Corinna Visser
The European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs is discussing rules on copyright for generative artificial intelligence. The own-initiative report addresses concerns about a lack of transparency, control and remuneration in the use of protected content by AI systems.
By Corinna Visser
Ukraine is waiting for security guarantees from the US as new talks with Russia have been agreed. Moscow underlined its tough stance with massive drone attacks on Ukraine.
By Viktor Funk
India plans to sharply cut import tariffs on cars from the European Union, according to sources. Under the planned free trade agreement, duties could fall from as high as 110% to 40%.
By Julia Fiedler
The European Union and Vietnam will upgrade their relationship during a visit by European Council President António Costa to Hanoi on Thursday. This is expected to lead to greater cooperation across several areas, including research, technology, energy and critical raw materials.
By Julia Fiedler
Members of the European Parliament have called on the EU to remain sovereign in the enforcement of its laws, particularly in the digital sector. Their demands also include a comprehensive European industrial policy.
By Corinna Visser
