Technology

This subtopic contains guidance on EU level rules relating to technology, including artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, cybersecurity, drones, the European Strategy for data, the internet of things, online advertising and online platforms.

Introductory materials

The EU has set itself ambitious targets to achieve ‘A Europe Fit for the Digital Age’ which aims is the digital transformation of the EU. Practice Note: A Europe Fit for the Digital Age: key initiatives—flowchart summarises the key initiatives taken by the European Commission to achieve its objective. Practice Note: Key EU digital initiatives—summary sets out a brief description of the main digital (directives, regulations and codes) initiatives that businesses trading, offering or providing services in the EU should follow. It covers key initiatives related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, online platforms, online content, liability and safety as well as privacy and cybersecurity. Practice Note: Media, digital and telecoms tracker—EU tracks the progress of EU legislative proposals, consultations and EU judgements related to media and digital rights.

Artificial Intelligence

‘Artificial intelligence’ refers to systems that are designed to perform in human-like ways. They may, for example, mimic the human ability to

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Latest EU Law News

EMA updates clinical data publication guidance with mandatory anonymisation templates

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published Version 1.5 of its external guidance on the implementation of Policy 0070, which governs the publication of clinical data for medicinal products for human use. The updated guidance clarifies and consolidates procedures relating to the submission, anonymisation, and redaction of clinical reports submitted in centralised marketing authorisation procedures. It provides revised instructions for applicants and marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) on the preparation of redacted and anonymised clinical documents, including the use of mandatory templates for justification tables and anonymisation reports.

Commission awards €992m for 15 renewable hydrogen projects across EEA

The European Commission has selected 15 renewable hydrogen production projects across five European Economic Area (EEA) countries for €992m in funding from the Innovation Fund, sourced from the EU Emissions Trading System. The projects are expected to produce 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, avoiding more than 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The projects will receive fixed premium support between €0.20 and €0.60 per kilogramme, with three maritime sector projects receiving €96.7m in dedicated funding. Grant agreements are expected to be signed by September/October 2025, with projects required to reach financial close within 2.5 years and begin production within 5 years. A third European Hydrogen Bank auction is planned for end 2025 with a €1bn budget.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee approves amendment to the CSDR—shortening the settlement cycle for transferable securities

The European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has approved an amendment to the Central Securities Depository Regulation (Regulation (EU) 909/2014) (CSDR) that shortens the settlement cycle for securities transactions on trading venues from two business days (T+2) to one business day (T+1). The Committee, which recorded 48 votes in favour and 4 abstentions, noted that the change would reduce risks and improve liquidity, while bringing EU practices into line with global standards. The amendment also allows for same-day settlements (T+0) when possible and exempts certain complex transactions from the T+1 rule. Furthermore, the European Securities and Markets Authority has been tasked with monitoring the transition and assessing the potential for future further shortening of the settlement cycle. These changes are set to take effect from 11 October 2027, subject to final negotiations with the Council.

Gender identity and the right to rectification of personal data (VP v Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság)

EU Law analysis: The Court of Justice has held that personal data relating to gender identity on the public registers of a Member State must be subject to the right to rectification under Article 16 of the General Data Protection Regulation, Regulation 2016/679 (EU GDPR). Rectification may require production of relevant and sufficient evidence reasonably required to establish the inaccuracy, which may include medical certificates. However, a Member State may not make the exercise of the right of rectification conditional on evidence of gender reassignment surgery. Further, any restrictions on Article 16 rights in this regard must also comply with Article 23 of the EU GDPR and must be established by legislative measures and not by administrative practice. Importantly, the Court of Justice looked at data accuracy within the broader context of fundamental rights, especially the rights to personal integrity and privacy. In doing so, it expanded protections for transgender people by referring to gender identity, rather than relying on the traditional focus on gender reassignment. Written by Gaelyn Fuhrmann, Legal Director at Wiggin LLP.