25/04/2025
EU Insight 25 April 2025
Brussels, 25 April 2025
POPE FRANCIS DIES AT 88; EUROPEAN LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88, ending a 13-year papacy marked by advocacy for the poor, social justice, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church. Pope Francis will also be remembered for his attention to what he called the ‘periphery’ of the world, notably reflected in his appointments of several cardinals from Africa, Asia and South America. EU leaders and heads of State and government across Member States have expressed their condolences, highlighting Pope Francis’s commitment to dialogue and support for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Many are expected to attend his funeral in Rome on Saturday. The pope’s passing comes at a time of internal debate within the Church, raising questions about its future direction and its continued influence in European society and policy.
STARMER AND VON DER LEYEN MEET AT FUTURE OF ENERGY SECURITY SUMMIT
UK Prime Minister Starmer and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in London at the Future of Energy Security Summit, signalling plans to ‘reset’ the EU-UK relationship through closer cooperation on energy. Addressing governments and business representatives, the two leaders called for action to prevent the weaponisation of energy supplies, amid the current European reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s upcoming roadmap to phase out Russian energy imports and emphasised investment in clean renewable power. Both leaders stressed that decarbonisation and coordinated regulatory frameworks are key to strengthening energy security, with further EU-UK talks planned at the upcoming bilateral summit in May.
COMMISSION FINES APPLE AND META FOR BREACHING DIGITAL MARKETS ACT
After extensive investigations, the Commission has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for breaching the landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), the first penalties issued under the new EU digital competition legislation. Apple was found guilty of restricting app developers from promoting alternative offers outside its App Store, violating so-called ‘anti-steering’ rules. Meta was fined for its binary ‘consent or pay’ model, which forced EU users to either agree to data collection for personalised ads or pay for an ad-free experience. Both tech giants have 60 days to comply or face further penalties. Meanwhile, the Commission published its annual report on the DMA’s implementation in 2024, outlining enforcement measures, ongoing investigations into gatekeeper compliance and broader efforts to ensure competition in the digital sector.
COMMISSION PROPOSES TARGETED AMENDMENTS TO BOOST EU DEFENCE
The Commission proposed targeted amendments to several existing EU funding programmes aiming to boost investment and innovation in Europe’s defence sector. The measures, tied to the ReArm Europe Plan and the Defence Readiness 2030, would expand the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform’s (STEP) scope to include defence and dual-use technologies, such as AI, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. The proposal also gives Member States new flexibility to transfer funds from EU cohesion policy into defence programmes like the European Defence Fund and initiatives to increase ammunition production. These changes, designed to encourage more flexible and coordinated spending, will complement a broader defence simplification package omnibus expected in June 2025, as the EU adapts to a heightened geopolitical environment.
PARLIAMENT ENDORSES GAS STORAGE REFILL FLEXIBILITY
On Thursday, the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee endorsed proposals to extend the EU’s emergency gas storage rules, first introduced following the 2022 energy crisis, until the end of 2027. To ease pressure on prices and improve market stability, MEPs recommended lowering the required gas storage fill target from 90% to 83%, with Member States now able to reach this target flexibility between 1 October and 1 December each year. The legislation would now allow further flexibility in case of supply disruptions, while ensuring storage does not fall below a 75% minimum. The report now heads for a plenary vote in Strasbourg, scheduled for the beginning of May.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
- 28-29 April: Informal meeting of environment ministers. On the agenda: disinformation, environmental innovation, debate with the EEA.
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