Dispatch from Brussels: Updates on EU tech policy

Ombudswoman opens inquiry concerning the development of EU standards for artificial intelligence: European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an inquiry into how the European Commission ensures transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the adoption of harmonised standards for artificial intelligence (AI). The inquiry follows a complaint from a civil society organisation concerned by the fact that the standardisation bodies responsible for developing the standards for the Commission are not required to publicly disclose information about the individuals working on them and do not publish the minutes of their meetings. The complainant also argues that the Commission has failed to ensure a balanced representation of interests in the standardisation process. This inquiry raises questions about whether this could lead to the creation of further delays.

EU Commission publishes draft guidance on incident reporting for high-risk AI systems: Under the AI Act, providers are required to ensure the proper functionality and safety of their products so as to foster transparency in how high-risk sustems operated. To support this the EU Commission is mandated to issue guidance pursuant to article 73(7) AI Act. This is the first draft, which is accompanied by an incident reporting template aim to help prepare providers and seek alignment with international initiatives such as the OECD’s AI incidents Monitor and Common Reporting Framework. Should you want to play a role in the development of these guidance and template documents, you can take part in the consultation process until 7 November.

Simplification agenda

Swedish PM’s simplification agenda wishlist: Back in July 2025, the Swedish Government sent the EU Commission a list of proposed simplifications to EU legislation across the board. The list, which has now been made public, advocates for simplification and changes from energy, financial services, digital legislation, to taxation and procurement.

Cybersecurity

ENISA releases threat landscape report: The EU’s agency for cybersecurity released its 2025 threat landscape report. The report, through a more threat-centric approach and further contextual analysis, analyses 4875 incidents over a period spanning from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. At its core, this report provides an overview of the most prominent cybersecurity threats and trends the EU faces in the current cyber threat ecosystem.

Online platforms

Draft Danish presidency declaration on “Shaping a Safe Online World for Minors”: The Danish presidency is currently working with EU Member States to finalise its “Jutland Declaration” which is meant to provide guidance and concrete measures to the EU Commission on ensuring online safety. The declaration which will be finalised and presented on 9-10 October will also establish a strong direction for the EU leading up to the forthcoming Commission proposal on the Digital Fairness Act. Some of the recommendations made in the text include: the need to effectively implement and enforce the current regulatory framework (DSA), push for age verification on social media and other relevant digital services, ensure the highest level of privacy and safety “by design” and “by default” by tackling addictive and manipulative design practices.

Semiconductors

EU countries back Dutch coalition for Chips Act 2.0: All 27 EU member states have signed the Semicon Coalition’s declaration for a revised Chips Act 2.0. Dutch Minister Vincent Karremans presented the declaration to the European Commission in Brussels, outlining five priorities for strengthening the semiconductor industry. The declaration highlights the need for strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, improving the investment approach, building a European talent pipeline, emphasising energy efficient semiconductors, and enhancing international cooperation with like minded partners.

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