EU Insight, 7 June 2024

Brussels, 7 June 2024

EU CITIZENS HEAD TO THE POLLS TO DEFINE THE NEXT FIVE YEARS OF EU POLICYMAKING

The European elections kicked off Yesterday and will run until Sunday, 9 June. This year’s elections are particularly significant given the current geopolitical context, the climate and competitiveness challenges facing the EU, as well as the elections taking place elsewhere on the globe, particularly in the US and UK. The ripple effect of the European Parliament elections goes beyond the parliamentary composition and will have an impact on the appointment of the new European Commission President, a post currently held by Ursula Von der Leyen, who is seeking re-election. Moreover, the elections mark an inflection point as they lead to the redefinition of the overall political and policy direction of the EU leading to new priorities arising which may contrast with old objectives.

EU INSTITUTIONS WARN CITIZENS OF ELECTION DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS

In light of this weekend’s elections, the EU institutions joined forces to alert citizens and battle disinformation campaigns seeking to undermine integrity and trust in the electoral process.  Notably they warn citizens of attempts by foreign actors to mislead voters by spreading false information or seeking to polarise the voter base. To mitigate this threat, EU action is centring around the coordinated implementation of legislation such as the Digital Services Act, requiring platforms to assess related risks; raising awareness and the promotion of media literacy; and cooperating with external institutions such as the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism against foreign threats to democracy.

COMMISSION REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR OF UNITARY PATENT SYSTEM

Marking the first anniversary of the EU’s Unitary Patent System, the Commission assessed its implementation across the Union. Entering into force on 1 June 2023, the Unitary Patent System provides uniform legal protection across the Union to unitary patent holders, thus aiming to allow for cross-border recognition of patent rights and reducing related administrative burden for companies. Moreover, the system sets up the Unified Patent Court, allowing for patent disputes to be settled at EU level. Reflecting on its first year of application, the Commission comments on its success, with more than 27000 unitary patents being registered under the system, and particularly high in Denmark, Poland, and Spain.

COMMISSION LAUNCHES PILOT MECHANISM TO FOSTER CLEAN HYDROGEN MARKET

The Commission launched a new pilot mechanism aiming to foster the development of the EU’s clean hydrogen market. Essentially, the mechanism shall serve as a matchmaking system to facilitate investments in hydrogen projects. This means the initiative aims to gather and distribute data to provide a better understanding of the hydrogen market’s conditions, enabling producers and off-takers of renewable, low-carbon hydrogen to connect more efficiently. As such the project aims to foster partnerships and facilitate applications for domestic hydrogen auctions as well as to enable connections with financial institutions. Expected to be operational by mid-2025, the mechanism is part of the Commission’s strategy to create a European Multiproduct Platform for strategic commodities.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS REVISED AFTER TWO YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS

The World Health Organisation’s Assembly in Geneva, which includes over 190 nations, and all EU Member States, agreed to revise the International Health Regulations. These regulations, which were originally agreed in 2005, serve as a legally binding set of international rules governing the management of health crises amongst signatory countries. The revision, negotiated during two years, was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to rectify the rules’ shortcomings when it comes to handling public health emergencies and global health threats such as a pandemic. The revision of the rules is aligned with the objectives of the European Health Union and more broadly with the EU’s Global Health Strategy.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 12 June: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: 2025 EU budget, migration pact,
• 13 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council. On the agenda: Schengen Package 2024, internal security, child abuse, migration, combatting drug trafficking and organised crime.
• 13 – 15 June: G7 Summit.

Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner Brussels, Kreab

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Kreab • Tel: +32 2 737 6900 • karl.isaksson@kreab.com • www.kreab.com/brussels • X: @KreabEU  •  LinkedIn: Kreab Worldwide