Insights | Brussels, 24 February 2023

27/02/2023

Brussels, 24 February 2023

Brussels, 24 February 2023

 

EU INSTITUTIONS COMMEMORATE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE

EU leaders published a statement commemorating the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the start of the war, the EU has adopted nine sanction packages against the Russian state, as well as individuals and entities fuelling Russia’s war machine. These packages include, among other things, asset freezes and price caps on Russian oil. Member States are currently in the midst of negotiating a tenth sanctions package, targeting sanctions circumvention. Notwithstanding some internal divisions on how to best tackle the war, one year on, EU citizens continue to firmly support the EU’s efforts in solidarity with Ukraine, according to the latest Eurobarometer.

 

BIG TELCO VS BIG TECH: COMMISSION PRESENTS INITIATIVES ON THE CONNECTIVITY SECTOR

The Commission presented initiatives aiming to help reach the European Digital Decade’s target of providing Gigabit to all citizens and businesses across the EU by 2030. The package consists of a ‘Gigabit Infrastructure Act’, which aims to facilitate the deployment of Gigabit networks across the EU, and a Gigabit Recommendation, seeking to advice national authorities on the regulation of the sector. Most notably, however, the package includes a consultation on the future of the connectivity sector and its infrastructure. The consultation explores the option of forcing the main drivers of internet traffic to contribute to investments in connectivity infrastructure.

 

TIKTOK BANNED ON COMMISSION’S CORPORATE DEVICES TO STRENGTHEN CYBERSECURITY

The Commission’s Corporate Management Board announced its decision to ban the use of TikTok on its corporate devices, as well as personal staff devices enrolled in the Commission’s mobile device service. The Board explained that it took the decision in light of cybersecurity concerns associated with the Chinese short-video platform. Notably, the Commission stated that it would continue to monitor cybersecurity developments related to other social media platforms. The Council has reportedly implemented a similar ban while the European Parliament is still assessing possible recommendations.

 

COMMISSION PRESENTS MEASURES ON THE EU’S FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTORS

The Commission announced this week a package of initiatives aiming to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The overarching goal of the package is to advance the objective to reduce the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels, foster the uptake of cleaner energy sources, and reduce the sector’s adverse impact on marine ecosystems. The package consists of (i) a Communication on the energy transition of the sector, (ii) an action plan to protect and restore marine ecosystems, (iii) a Communication on a common European fisheries policy, and (iv) a report on the common market organisation for fishery and aquaculture products.

 

COMMISSION ADOPTS COMMUNICATION ON SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF RECOVERY PLAN

The Commission published a Communication for the two-year anniversary of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Taking stock of the RRF’s impact on the EU’s COVID-19 recovery, the Communication highlights the mechanism’s resilience and flexibility in its ability to tackle different challenges facing the EU, in light of the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the Communication underlines the RRF’s role in fostering investment for the EU’s green and digital transition. In parallel, the Council adopted an amending regulation to the RRF, to include the REPowerEU programme. REPowerEU aims to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy and end the Union’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

 

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

  • 27-28 February: European Parliamentary week. On the agenda: EU Economic and social challenges, EU economic governance framework, Inflation, Digital Currencies.
  • 27-28 February: Informal meeting of telecommunications, transport, energy ministers. On the agenda: Energy market design and security of supply, Future transport policy.
  • 1 March: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Road Safety package.
  • 2 March: Competitiveness Council On the agenda: Financial services at a distance , Short-term accommodation rental services, Competitiveness in the single market.

 

Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner Brussels, Kreab

____________________________________________________________________

Kreab • Tel: +32 2 737 6900 • karl.isaksson@kreab.comwww.kreab.com/brussels • Twitter: @KreabEU.

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