Legal Partners
DashboardActivate Briefly
Legal Intelligence · European Union

European Unionlegal & regulatory news

Briefly tracks court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory developments across European Union — curated daily from European Union's courts, regulators, and leading legal publications. 73 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 31 Jul.

Get European Union updates in your inbox
Regulatory News
action_required

EPPO Seeks MP Immunity Lifting in Poland Corruption Probe

European Public Prosecutor's Office · 30 Jul

policy

ESMA EU Regulation 2018/1725 data protection obligations

European Securities and Markets Authority · 30 Jul

Legal News
European Union
Case Law

Court of Appeal England Wales: JJH Enterprises v Microsoft EU Copyright Exhaustion

The Court of Appeal of England and Wales recently issued a judgment in JJH Enterprises Limited v Microsoft Corporation, which has implications for the concept of copyright exhaustion. This development is significant because it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the scope of copyright protection. The court's ruling may have far-reaching consequences for businesses and individuals involved in the distribution and sale of copyrighted materials. Practitioners should be aware that this decision may influence future cases related to copyright exhaustion, particularly in the context of digital rights management. The relevant statutes and regulations governing copyright law in England and Wales include the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA) and the EU's Copyright Directive. The Court of Appeal's judgment is likely to be considered in conjunction with these legislative frameworks when interpreting the scope of copyright protection. JJH Enterprises Limited v Microsoft Corporation may also be seen as a precursor to future cases involving digital rights management, which could have implications for the music and film industries. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, particularly those involved in the distribution and sale of copyrighted materials. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, but its potential impact on copyright law makes it an important case to follow.

31 Jul
European Union
Legal News

EU Court: No Automatic SEP Licensing Post-Patent-Expiration

The SEP licensing landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with most standard-essential patents for AVC/H.264 having already expired by the time VIA Licensing Alliance reported them to the public. This development is significant because it highlights the need for companies to reassess their SEP portfolios and licensing strategies in light of changing patent landscapes. As Earl Nied notes, FRAND discussions often focus on who holds the standard-essential patents, but neglect the equally important question of when those patents expire. This oversight can lead to costly mistakes and disputes down the line. The relevant statutes and regulations governing SEP licensing in the EU include Article 102 TFEU, which prohibits abuse of dominant market positions, as well as the European Commission's Guidelines on the application of Article 102 TFEU. The courts involved in SEP licensing cases include the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union. The key parties involved in this development are VIA Licensing Alliance, which reported the AVC/H.264 entries to the public, and companies that hold or seek to license standard-essential patents. Practitioners should monitor this development closely and advise their clients to reassess their SEP portfolios and licensing strategies accordingly.

31 Jul
European Union
Legislation

EU's AI Office: Enforcement of AI Act Begins August 2nd

The European Commission has announced that it will start enforcing AI Act rules and new transparency requirements on August 2, 2026. This development is significant for practitioners as it marks a major milestone in the implementation of the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act. The AI Act aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the EU, ensuring that they are safe, transparent, and fair. The new rules will require companies to provide clear information about their AI systems, including how they make decisions and what data is used to train them. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this development include the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act (EU) 2021/796, which was adopted on June 23, 2021. The AI Act sets out a framework for the development and deployment of AI systems within the EU, including rules on transparency, accountability, and liability. The key parties involved in this development include the European Commission's AI Office, which will be responsible for enforcing the new rules, as well as companies that develop and deploy AI systems within the EU. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, as it may require them to update their compliance procedures and ensure that their clients' AI systems meet the new transparency requirements. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should review the European Commission's guidance on the AI Act and ensure that they are compliant with the new rules. They should also be prepared to provide clear information about their AI systems, including how they make decisions and what data is used to train them.

31 Jul
European Union
Legislation

EU AI Act Enforcement Begins August 2

On 2 August, the European Commission's AI Office will begin enforcing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act rules and new transparency requirements. This marks a significant development in the EU's efforts to regulate AI and ensure accountability for its use. The AI Act aims to establish a framework for the development and deployment of trustworthy AI systems that respect human rights and fundamental values. The enforcement of the AI Act rules and new transparency requirements is crucial for practitioners, businesses, and the public. It will provide clarity on the obligations of organizations using AI and ensure that they are held accountable for any potential harm caused by their AI systems. The new transparency rules will also enable consumers to make informed decisions about the use of AI-powered products and services. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this development include the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which is a key component of the EU's Digital Services Act package. The AI Act establishes a framework for the development and deployment of trustworthy AI systems that respect human rights and fundamental values. The new transparency requirements are also aligned with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires organizations to be transparent about their data processing activities. The key parties involved in this development include the European Commission, national authorities, and organizations using AI. Practitioners should monitor the implementation of the AI Act rules and new transparency requirements and ensure that their clients are compliant with the new regulations. Businesses should also review their use of AI systems and ensure that they meet the requirements of the AI Act. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should be aware of the enforcement of the AI Act rules and new transparency requirements from 2 August and take steps to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

31 Jul
European Union
Legislation

EU Approves €59 Million Slovenian Battery Energy Storage Aid

The European Commission has approved a €59 million Slovenian State aid scheme to promote battery energy storage systems, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025. The approval of this state aid scheme is significant for practitioners and businesses operating in the energy sector, as it demonstrates the European Commission's commitment to supporting the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme will provide financial support to companies investing in battery energy storage systems, which are essential for the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. The relevant legal framework governing state aid schemes in the EU is set out in Article 107(1) TFEU, which prohibits Member States from granting aid that distorts competition or affects trade between Member States. However, Article 107(3) TFEU provides for exceptions to this rule, allowing Member States to grant aid for environmental protection or other public policy objectives. The Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025 sets out the conditions under which state aid schemes can be approved. The key parties involved in this approval are the European Commission, which has granted approval to the Slovenian state aid scheme, and the Slovenian government, which will implement the scheme. Practitioners should monitor the development of similar state aid schemes in other Member States and ensure that their clients comply with the relevant conditions and requirements. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses operating in the energy sector should be aware of the European Commission's approval of this state aid scheme and its implications for the transition towards a net-zero economy. They should also monitor the development of similar schemes in other Member States and ensure that their clients comply with the relevant conditions and requirements.

30 Jul
European Union
Case Law

EU Sends Statement of Grounds to Temu Over Possible Obstruction

The European Commission has sent a Statement of Grounds to Temu's owner PDD Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary WhaleCo Technology Limited over allegations of obstruction. The investigation is focused on potential breaches of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which aims to prevent foreign companies fro

30 Jul
European Union
Legislation

European Commission: €1.86 Billion RRF Disbursement to EU Countries

The European Commission has disbursed more than €1.86 billion to Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Denmark under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU, on 31 July 2026. This significant disbursement is a crucial step in supporting these countries' economic recovery and resilience efforts, as outlined in their National Recovery and Resilience Plans. The funds will be used to finance key investments and reforms aimed at promoting sustainable growth, improving public services, and enhancing the business environment. This development has important implications for practitioners advising clients on EU funding opportunities and the implementation of national recovery plans. The RRF is a key component of NextGenerationEU, a €800 billion investment package designed to support the economic recovery of the European Union's member states. The facility provides grants and loans to countries to finance their recovery and resilience efforts, with a focus on promoting sustainable growth, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing the EU's competitiveness. The disbursement of funds under the RRF is subject to the approval of the European Commission, which assesses the progress made by each country in implementing its National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The key parties involved in this development are the European Commission, which has disbursed the funds, and the four beneficiary countries - Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Denmark. Practitioners advising clients on EU funding opportunities should monitor the implementation of national recovery plans and the disbursement of funds under the RRF to ensure that their clients' interests are protected.

30 Jul
European Union
Legislation

Nigerian House of Representatives Scrutinizes Copyright Licensing System

Nigeria's copyright licensing system comes under parliamentary scrutiny by Seun Lari-Williams, who has been investigating alleged irregularities in the administration of copyrights. The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the country's copyright licensing system, with a focus on addressing concerns over its administration. The legal significance of this development lies in its potential impact on the creative industries and the economy as a whole. If the allegations of irregularities are proven to be true, it could lead to significant changes in the way copyrights are administered in Nigeria, potentially affecting the livelihoods of artists, writers, and other creatives. The Nigerian copyright licensing system is governed by the Copyright Act 2004, which provides for the administration of copyrights through a network of collecting societies. The Act also establishes the National Copyright Commission (NCC) as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the administration of copyrights in Nigeria. The NCC has been accused of mismanaging funds and failing to account for royalties paid by users. The key parties involved in this investigation include the Nigerian House of Representatives, the National Copyright Commission, and various collecting societies that administer copyrights on behalf of creators. Practitioners should monitor developments in this case as it may lead to changes in the way copyrights are administered in Nigeria, potentially affecting their clients' rights and interests.

30 Jul
European Union
Case Law

EU Commissioner McGrath speech highlights listening to children in challenging settings

The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders' counterpart, Commissioner McGrath, delivered a speech at the High-Level Conference on Listening to Children and Young People - Challenges in Challenging Settings. The conference was held under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The legal significance of this event lies in its focus on the rights of children and young people, particularly those in challenging settings such as detention centers or institutions for vulnerable populations. Commissioner McGrath's speech highlights the importance of listening to these individuals and addressing their needs and concerns. This is a critical issue in the European Union, where there have been ongoing debates about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. The legal context of this event involves various EU directives and regulations related to child protection and welfare. The European Commission has been working on initiatives to improve the situation of children and young people in challenging settings, including the development of a new strategy for protecting children's rights. Commissioner McGrath's speech is part of these efforts. The key parties involved include the European Commission, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and various stakeholders from member states, including policy makers, practitioners, and civil society organizations. The conference also featured representatives from international organizations such as UNICEF. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses should monitor developments related to child protection and welfare in the EU, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the situation of children and young people in challenging settings.

30 Jul

Topics covered

Intellectual PropertyGeneral PracticeCompliance & RegulatoryLitigation & Dispute ResolutionPublic SectorFinancial ServicesHealthcare & Pharma

Other jurisdictions

African UnionKenyaSouth AfricaNigeriaGhanaTanzaniaUgandaRwandaEthiopiaZambiaZimbabweMalawiBotswanaLesothoNamibiaCameroonSierra LeoneGambiaLiberiaSenegalMozambiqueMauritiusGuineaBurundiDjiboutiSomaliaMadagascarSeychellesAngolaRepublic of CongoDR CongoSouth SudanSudanCôte d'IvoireNigerMaliBurkina FasoTogoBeninEgyptMoroccoUnited KingdomUnited StatesIndiaCanada