Assistant lawyer Natālija Ķīse compiled the material.
Data protection
Digital Markets Act: Commission initiates market investigation for X and designates Booking as gatekeeper
Published: 13 May 2024
In accordance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Commission decided not to designate X Ads or TikTok Ads and instead named Booking as the gatekeeper for their online intermediation business, Booking.com. Additionally, in order to assess the rebuttal submitted in relation to the online social networking service X, the Commission has launched a market investigation.
Commission opens formal proceedings against Facebook and Instagram under the Digital Services Act
Initiated: 30 April 2024
The alleged violations concern political content on Meta’s services as well as its regulations and procedures regarding misleading advertising. They also concern the non-availability of an effective third-party real-time civic discourse and election-monitoring tool ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, against the background of Meta’s deprecation of its real-time public insights tool CrowdTangle without an adequate replacement.
Commission launches Whistleblower Tools for Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act
Publication: 30 April 2024
Two whistleblower tools for the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) have been made available by the European Commission. The tools will enable people to disclose information that can be used to identify and unearth harmful practices by Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) or Search Engines (VLOSEs) designated under the DSA, or any violations of gatekeeper obligations under the DMA, without fear of reprisal.
Internal market
Advocate General Campos Sánchez-Bordona’s Opinion on customs infringements and penalties in Regulation (EU) No 952/2013
Delivered: 8 May 2024
In reference to two requests for a preliminary ruling from Bulgarian courts regarding the interpretation of the rules on violations and penalties in Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 laying down the Union Customs Code: Sistem Lux (Cases C 717/22 and C 372/23), Advocate General Campos Sánchez-Bordona has provided an opinion.
The inquiries primarily asked for clarity on two points: first, whether national laws that permit the seizure of goods as a punishment for violating customs laws are compliant with EU law; and second, if intent is an essential component of customs violations.
Human rights
Council adopts first-ever EU law combating violence against women
Approved: 7 May 2024
Approved by the Council is an EU directive aimed at addressing domestic abuse and violence against women. For the principles and fundamental rights of nondiscrimination and equality between men and women to be upheld, strong action must be taken against these acts of violence. Women’s genital mutilation, forced marriage, and online abuse, including posting private photos without consent, must all be illegal in the EU.
Immigration
EU Directive introduces unified procedure for work permits and rights for third-country nationals
Published: 30 April 2024
Directive (EU) 2024/1233 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 24, 2024, on a common set of rights for third-country workers lawfully residing in a Member State, and on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State, has been officially published.
