Assistant lawyer Liis Pormeister compiled the material.
Competition
The Commission fines car manufacturers and association €458 million over end-of-life vehicle recycling cartel
Published: 1 April 2025
The Commission has fined 15 major car manufacturers and the European Automobiles Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) around €458 million for participating in a long-lasting cartel concerning end-of-life vehicle recycling. The Commission’s investigation revealed that, for over 15 years, 16 major car manufacturers and ACEA entered into anticompetitive agreements and engaged in concerted practices related to the recycling of ELVs. All companies admitted their involvement in the cartel and agreed to settle the case.
See also: press release.
Technology and data
The Commission launches an ambitious AI Continent Action Plan
Launched: 9 April 2025
The European Commission has launched the AI Continent Action Plan, which sets the goal of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. The AI Continent Action Plan will boost the European Union’s AI innovation capabilities through actions and policies around five key pillars: building a large-scale AI data and computing infrastructure, increasing access to extensive and high-quality data, developing algorithms and fostering AI adoption in strategic EU sectors, strengthening AI skills and talents and simplifying regulations.
See also: press release.
The Court of Justice has clarified the interpretation of GDPR concerning the protection of personal data and the right to public access of official documents
Decided: 3 April 2025
The Court of Justice has delivered its judgement in a case arising from requested information regarding contracts for purchasing COVID-19 tests in the Czech Republic. The Court found that disclosing the first name, surname, signature, and contact details of a natural person representing a legal person constitutes the processing of personal data. Also, a controller must inform and consult the person concerned before disclosing official documents containing such data.
Internal market
Council and Parliament strike a deal on a regulation to make toys safer
Agreed on: 10 April 2025
The Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional deal on a regulation updating the safety requirements for toys sold on the EU single market. The new Regulation will ban the use of harmful chemicals in toys, set stricter rules on online sales and give inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. This will ensure that imported toys are as safe for consumers as toys manufactured in the EU.
See also: press release.
Transport
A landmark agreement to achieve net-zero emissions from global shipping
Agreed on: 11 April 2025
The European Commission welcomes a landmark agreement at the International Maritime Organisation, which marks a significant advancement in reducing the environmental impact of the shipping industry on a global scale. The agreement includes a new measure, setting a global standard for gradually reducing the GHG intensity of marine fuels. The new measure also introduces a first global pricing mechanism for emissions, which, along with financial incentives, will encourage shipping companies to use the cleanest fuels and technologies early on.
See also: press release.
