Dispatch from Brussels: Updates on EU Tech Policy
Artificial Intelligence
AI company Mistral presents policy proposals: On Tuesday 7 April, French AI company Mistral, seen as a European champion, presented a list of policy proposals to the EU Commission to help position Europe as an AI powerhouse and “ensure AI is not only developed in Europe, but for Europe and on Europe’s terms”. The paper makes key recommendations ranging from visa reform, procurement gateways, to compliance portals. The proposals come ahead of the EU Commission’s presentation of a major tech sovereignty package (currently expected to be proposed end of May).
Simplification
AI Omnibus trilogues progress: The EU's AI Omnibus package (meant to simplify the EU’s AI Act) has reached a pivotal moment. Following the European Commission's initial proposal in late 2025, both the Council of the EU and the European Parliament have now established their negotiating positions, with the Council adopting its mandate on 13 March and the Parliament confirming its position in plenary on 26 March. Technical and political meetings are set to resume this week, with all parties targeting a deal by 28 April. Negotiators of the text indicate that the majority of the text is already close to agreement. Both institutions have converged on fixed application dates of 2 December 2027 for standalone high-risk AI systems and 2 August 2028 for AI systems embedded in regulated products. Until a final text is formally adopted, however, the original 2 August, 2026 deadline remains legally in force, meaning organisations cannot yet rely on the expected extensions as a basis for deferring compliance planning. techUK will continue to monitor trilogue developments closely.
Online Platforms
DMA review approaching: In accordance with Article 53 of the Digital Markets Act, the European Commission is required to conduct a review of the legislation by 3 May 2026. The review will assess the extent to which the DMA's objectives have been achieved and its impact on businesses, and comes at a time of significant transatlantic tension over the regulation's application to US tech firms.
European Parliament rejects extension of CSAM scanning rules: On 26 March, the European Parliament voted against extending the temporary rules that have allowed platforms such as Meta, Google, and Snapchat to scan private messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The legislation, originally a stopgap measure enabling platforms to bypass EU privacy rules for detection purposes, will now lapse, stripping companies of the legal basis to continue certain scanning practices. 311 MEPs voted against the extension, citing concerns over mass surveillance and the indiscriminate targeting of all users.
France to push for approval of its under 15 social media ban: According to Mlex, French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der leyen, urging her to quickly approve France’s law banning social media for those under 15 by confirming its compatibility with the DSA. The European Commission, in charge of enforcing the DSA on large social media platforms, is considering its own measures. Countries like Greece have called on the Commission to go forth with an EU-wide ban to avoid fragmentation across the bloc. President Ursula von der Leyen has convened a panel of experts to advise her on next steps, which is expected to give its results by the summer.
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