EU

EU court weighs GDPR and digital evidence in employment dispute

The Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified that the GDPR does not require national courts to automatically exclude evidence containing personal data solely because it was previously obtained unlawfully by one of the parties.

The case, C-484/24 NTH Haustechnik v EM, concerns a dispute between a German employer and a former employee. The employer sought damages over the alleged unauthorised sale of company property and relied on information obtained through access to the former employee’s private eBay account.

The referring German court asked whether judicial use of such evidence would itself amount to personal data processing under the GDPR and whether the EU data protection law required the evidence to be excluded.

The CJEU found that a court’s handling of evidence containing personal data can constitute data processing. However, such processing may be lawful where the court must perform its judicial duties and decide the dispute before it.

The Court also clarified that the GDPR does not create an automatic exclusionary rule for evidence obtained in breach of privacy or data protection rules. National courts must instead assess whether the processing is necessary and proportionate, while respecting GDPR principles and the rights protected by the EU Charter.

The ruling is relevant to civil and employment proceedings because it clarifies the relationship among data protection law, the right to evidence, and the right to effective judicial protection.

Why does it matter?

The case clarifies an important boundary in GDPR litigation: unlawful collection of personal data does not automatically make evidence unusable in court, but it also does not give parties a free pass to gather evidence unlawfully. Courts must balance privacy and data protection rights with the right to effective judicial protection. The ruling could affect employment disputes, civil claims and digital evidence cases where emails, platform accounts, logs or other personal data are submitted as proof.

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UNESCO backs new initiative against online hate speech

Organisations and experts in Kyrgyzstan have launched the country’s first multistakeholder coalition focused on online harmful content and content moderation, with support from UNESCO and the European Union.

The Aikyn Sanarip coalition was launched in Bishkek on 17 June, ahead of the UN International Day for Countering Hate Speech. It brings together civil society, media representatives, government bodies, academics, international organisations and bloggers.

UNESCO said the coalition will provide a platform for dialogue on freedom of expression, digital rights, online safety and greater accountability from digital platforms.

The launch also featured the first national study on freedom of expression and content moderation in Kyrgyzstan. The research examines how hate speech spreads across digital platforms, how content is moderated in Kyrgyz-language digital spaces, and where legal and institutional gaps remain.

UNESCO said users in Kyrgyzstan increasingly encounter hate speech, disinformation and online harassment. At the same time, the country lacks a clear legal definition of hate speech, and mechanisms for addressing harmful content remain fragmented.

The European Union supported the forum under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace project, which promotes multistakeholder responses to harmful online content while protecting freedom of expression.

Why does it matter?

The launch shows how online hate speech and harmful content are becoming governance issues beyond major platform markets. Kyrgyzstan’s new coalition links digital rights, online safety and platform accountability, while also highlighting a difficult balance: tackling hate speech and disinformation without undermining freedom of expression. The initiative may offer a model for multistakeholder responses in countries where legal frameworks and platform moderation practices remain underdeveloped.

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EU’s 2026 State of the Digital Decade report highlights progress and remaining challenges

The European Commission’s 2026 State of the Digital Decade report shows that the EU continues to make progress towards its digital transformation goals, although significant structural challenges remain on the path to its 2030 targets.

The report highlights progress in digital infrastructure, business digitalisation and public services. Basic 5G coverage now reaches 96.8% of households, while nearly one in five businesses uses AI.

AI adoption accelerated significantly during 2025, increasing by 48% compared with the previous year. More than 60% of Europeans now possess at least basic digital skills.

Despite the progress, the Commission identified several areas requiring urgent attention. However, the EU currently accounts for only 9% of the global semiconductor market, well below its target of reaching 20% by 2030.

Europe also remains heavily dependent on non-EU cybersecurity suppliers and continues to face shortages of ICT specialists, particularly women in digital professions.

The report also revealed strong public support for digital sovereignty and technological self-reliance. According to a new Eurobarometer survey, most citizens support greater investment in local digital infrastructure, reduced dependence on foreign technologies and stronger regulation of AI.

Citizens also identified digital health, green technologies, connectivity and AI as areas likely to deliver the greatest benefits over the next decade.

Why does it matter?

The report provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of Europe’s progress towards its 2030 Digital Decade objectives and offers insight into the EU’s broader competitiveness agenda. Strong growth in AI adoption, connectivity and digital public services suggests that digital transformation is accelerating across the Union.

At the same time, the findings highlight persistent challenges related to technological sovereignty. Europe’s limited share of the global semiconductor market, continued dependence on foreign technology suppliers, and ongoing digital skills shortages could constrain its long-term competitiveness. As the EU increasingly links economic resilience, security and digital policy, addressing these gaps will be critical to achieving its 2030 ambitions and strengthening strategic autonomy in key technologies.

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European Commission opens applications for RAISE AI research advisory board

The European Commission has opened applications for the RAISE High-Level Academic Advisory Board, inviting leading researchers in AI and AI-enabled science to help shape Europe’s future AI research agenda.

The advisory board will support the implementation of the EU’s AI in Science Strategy and provide independent scientific guidance on the development of RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe).

RAISE was launched in 2025 under Horizon Europe to strengthen European leadership in both fundamental AI research and the application of AI across scientific disciplines.

The Commission is seeking academics with expertise in AI research or experience applying AI in fields such as medicine, climate science and advanced materials. Board members will provide strategic recommendations on research priorities, governance structures, benchmarks and framework conditions needed to accelerate AI-enabled scientific discovery.

Through RAISE, the EU aims to bring together leading researchers, computational resources, data and funding within a coordinated ecosystem that supports scientific excellence and strengthens Europe’s position in global AI research and innovation.

Why does it matter?

The initiative reflects growing recognition that AI is becoming a foundational tool for scientific discovery across disciplines ranging from healthcare and climate research to materials science and physics. Governments are increasingly investing in AI research infrastructure to ensure that researchers have access to the computing power, data and expertise needed to remain globally competitive.

The advisory board also highlights Europe’s ambition to play a larger role in shaping the future of AI-enabled science. By coordinating talent, infrastructure and funding through initiatives such as RAISE, the EU aims to strengthen both its scientific capacity and its position in the global race for AI innovation.

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EU extends Cybersecurity Reserve support to Ukraine

Ukraine can now activate emergency EU cyber support during significant or large-scale cybersecurity incidents after the Council of the European Union approved its inclusion in the EU Cybersecurity Reserve.

The Reserve, managed by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, provides incident response services from trusted private-sector providers to help contain and mitigate major cyber incidents.

The European Commission said the decision reflects closer EU-Ukraine cooperation and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen preparedness, rapid response and shared expertise against evolving cyber threats.

The move also aligns with the EU’s strategic digital partnership agenda and follows Moldova’s inclusion in the Cybersecurity Reserve in 2024 under the Cyber Solidarity Act.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said Ukraine’s inclusion strengthens collective cyber defences and reaffirms European solidarity at a time of persistent cyber threats.

Why does it matter?

Ukraine’s inclusion in the Cybersecurity Reserve extends EU cyber crisis support to a country facing sustained cyber pressure linked to geopolitical conflict. The decision shows how the EU is using the Cyber Solidarity Act and related mechanisms not only for internal resilience, but also for strategic partnerships. It also strengthens the role of ENISA-coordinated incident response services and trusted private providers in Europe’s wider cyber crisis management framework.

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Apple delays Siri AI rollout on iOS and iPadOS in EU, citing DMA requirements

Apple has announced that its new Siri AI features will not be available to users in the European Union on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 when the software is released later this year, citing concerns related to compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to the company, discussions with European regulators have not resulted in an agreement on how the new AI features could be introduced while maintaining what Apple describes as necessary privacy and security protections.

Apple said the features will remain available to EU users on macOS 27 and visionOS 27. However, users in the bloc will not have access to Siri AI on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, as the watchOS functionality depends on a paired iPhone with Siri AI support.

The company stated that the DMA’s interoperability requirements would require broader access for competing virtual assistants to device functionality and user data than Apple considers appropriate from a privacy and security perspective.

Apple also said it proposed a solution called Trusted System Agent, which it described as an intermediary framework intended to provide third-party virtual assistants with access to device capabilities while maintaining additional security protections. According to the company, it also proposed a phased rollout of Siri AI in the EU while this framework was being developed.

The company said the European Commission did not accept its proposals and that there is currently no timeline for the availability of Siri AI on iOS and iPadOS in the EU.

The announcement highlights ongoing discussions between major technology companies and the EU regulators on implementing the Digital Markets Act. The DMA seeks to increase competition in digital markets by requiring designated gatekeepers to provide greater interoperability and access to certain platform services.

The European Commission has previously stated that the objective of the regulation is to promote contestability and fairness in digital markets while providing users and businesses with greater choice.

Apple’s decision means that some AI features announced at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) will not initially be available to EU users on mobile devices. These include new AI-powered assistance capabilities, expanded visual intelligence features, and AI tools integrated across iOS and iPadOS.

The company said it will continue discussions with EU regulators regarding a possible future launch of the features in the European Union.

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South Korea and EU sign landmark Digital Trade Agreement

South Korea and the European Union have signed a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) aimed at strengthening cooperation in digital trade, advanced technologies and cybersecurity.

Signed during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Brussels, the agreement establishes a new framework for digital commerce between two major technology-driven economies.

The agreement removes several barriers that can increase the cost and complexity of cross-border digital business. Most notably, it limits data localisation requirements and restrictions on computing facilities, enabling companies to process data across borders without the need to establish additional local infrastructure.

The DTA also strengthens protection for source code and trade secrets while promoting the use of electronic signatures, electronic payments and digital customs procedures.

Cybersecurity cooperation forms a key part of the agreement. South Korea and the EU committed to improving cooperation between national authorities, strengthening cyber resilience and developing coordinated responses to cybersecurity incidents.

The goal is to create a more secure environment for digital trade and for businesses and consumers operating across both markets.

Alongside the agreement, the two sides launched a new South Korea–EU Competitiveness Partnership covering trade, investment, AI, digital technologies, supply chains and critical minerals.

The partnership is expected to deepen economic and technical coordination as both sides seek to strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly complex global environment.

Why does it matter?

The agreement reflects the growing importance of digital trade as a pillar of international economic relations. As data flows, cloud services, digital payments and online platforms become increasingly central to global commerce, governments are seeking new rules that facilitate cross-border business while protecting security, intellectual property and consumer trust.

Beyond trade, the agreement highlights the convergence of digital policy, cybersecurity and technological competitiveness. By combining commitments on data flows, digital commerce and cyber resilience, the EU and South Korea are positioning themselves to play a larger role in shaping global digital governance and future digital trade standards.

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EU AI Board reviews AI Act implementation and tech sovereignty agenda

The EU AI Board held its eighth meeting to review progress on AI Act implementation and discuss wider priorities in the EU’s AI strategy.

The meeting took place under the chairmanship of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council. The presidency also announced that Moldova had been granted observer status on the AI Board.

The European Commission presented its Tech Sovereignty Package, with a focus on the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act and its role in strengthening AI innovation, competitiveness and technological sovereignty in Europe.

The Board also reviewed the final version of the voluntary Code of Practice on labelling and marking AI-generated content. The code sets out practical steps to help providers and deployers of generative AI systems meet transparency obligations under the AI Act, which will apply from 2 August 2026.

Further discussions focused on the AI Act’s implementation architecture. The Commission presented the recently appointed Scientific Panel and AI Act Advisory Forum, which will support the Commission and the AI Board. Members also discussed progress in establishing national market surveillance authorities and endorsed additional documents prepared by an AI Board subgroup, which are expected to be published shortly.

Why does it matter?

The meeting shows the EU moving from AI Act adoption towards practical implementation. The discussion links several important pieces of the EU AI governance architecture: voluntary transparency tools, expert advisory bodies, national market surveillance authorities and broader industrial policy through the Tech Sovereignty Package. Together, these elements will shape how AI rules are coordinated, interpreted and enforced across the EU.

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EU and Brazil strengthen cooperation through new Digital Partnership

The European Union and Brazil have signed a new Digital Partnership to strengthen cooperation on shared digital policy priorities, including AI, data governance, digital infrastructure, connectivity, online platforms and digital public goods and services.

The partnership was signed in Brasília and is intended to raise EU-Brazil digital cooperation to a more strategic level. According to the European Commission, Digital Partnerships are a core instrument of the EU’s external digital policy and are used to structure cooperation with like-minded partners.

The agreement builds on more than two decades of EU-Brazil cooperation, including the EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership and the existing EU-Brazil Digital Dialogue. The two sides said the partnership will support joint work on resilient global supply chains, rules-based digital governance and wider sharing of the benefits of technological progress.

The signing follows the adoption of mutual EU-Brazil data adequacy decisions in January 2026, which allow personal data to flow freely and securely between the two jurisdictions without additional requirements. The Commission described those decisions as creating the world’s largest area of free and safe data flows, covering around 670 million consumers.

Future cooperation under the Digital Partnership will be developed through technical workstreams and high-level exchanges. The first Digital Partnership Council is expected to meet within the next year to set out a joint roadmap for cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The partnership strengthens digital cooperation between the EU and one of Latin America’s largest economies at a time when AI governance, data protection, online platforms and digital public infrastructure are becoming central to international relations. It also shows how the EU is using digital partnerships and data adequacy decisions to expand trusted digital cooperation beyond Europe, while promoting regulatory alignment, secure data flows and shared approaches to global digital governance.

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Civil society groups warn EU Digital Networks Act could weaken net neutrality

A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns about the European Commission’s proposed Digital Networks Act, warning that it could weaken existing net neutrality protections. The signatories argue that the legislation could weaken net neutrality protections and alter the existing framework governing the open internet.

According to the coalition, the proposal would incorporate the Open Internet Regulation into the broader Digital Networks Act while removing many of its explanatory provisions. The groups argue that this could reduce legal certainty and make net neutrality protections more vulnerable to reinterpretation.

The signatories also oppose proposed provisions on IP interconnection, arguing that there is insufficient evidence of market failure to justify regulatory intervention. They warn that proposed cooperation and conciliation mechanisms could formalise commercial negotiations between network operators and content providers, potentially paving the way for network fees.

The coalition is urging EU lawmakers to remove Articles 191 to 193 from the proposal and keep the Open Internet Regulation as a separate legal instrument. The coalition argues that doing so would help preserve consumer protections, competition and the principle of an open internet across the EU.

Why does it matter?

Net neutrality has been a cornerstone of EU internet policy, requiring internet service providers to treat online traffic equally rather than favouring or disadvantaging particular services, platforms or content. Supporters argue that these rules help protect competition, innovation and consumer choice online.

The debate over the Digital Networks Act highlights broader tensions between telecom operators, digital platforms and civil society groups over the future governance of internet infrastructure. Proposed changes to interconnection rules and the legal framework for net neutrality could have implications for how internet services are delivered, regulated and financed across Europe.

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