The European Commission has assessed Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and Directive 2006/7/EC (Bathing Water Directive) to evaluate their effectiveness and identify areas for simplification. While both directives have made progress, the evaluation highlights the need for enhanced environmental protection and reduced administrative burdens.

The European Commission has published an evaluation of Directive 2012/19/EU (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive), identifying five major shortcomings requiring reform. The evaluation found that only three EU member states met the 65% collection target in 2022, while highlighting inadequate scope coverage for new waste streams, fragmented Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, and low implementation of quality treatment standards. The Commission will consider these findings during the WEEE Directive revision process as part of the upcoming Circular Economy Act, with potential measures including mandatory treatment standards and expanded scope to include green and digital equipment.

The European Commission has adopted a Delegated Act exempting pallet wrapping and straps used to secure goods during transport from the 100% reuse requirement under Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)). The Commission states that the decision reflects a balanced approach that supports circular economy objectives while recognising operational feasibility.

The European Commission has adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/1234, new rules allowing all medical devices used by professionals to include electronic instructions for use, following broad stakeholder support. Paper versions must still be available for lay users. The changes aim to modernise healthcare, reduce costs, and support sustainability. A wider review of the medical devices framework will be presented in December 2025.

The European Commission's independent experts released the third draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice on 11 March 2025. The draft introduces a streamlined structure with 2 commitments on transparency and copyright applicable to all general-purpose AI providers, plus 16 commitments on safety and security for providers of models with systemic risk. The Code, expected to be finalised in May 2025, will serve as a compliance tool for the AI Act. It includes a new Model Documentation Form and simplified copyright measures. Stakeholders can provide feedback until 30 March 2025 through an interactive website and dedicated workshops.

The European Commission has extended its existing 39.7% anti-dumping duties on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China to include imports from Malaysia, effective 11 April 2025. The decision follows an anti-circumvention investigation that found Malaysian exports to the EU increased after Chinese duties were imposed. The investigation identified two circumvention methods: assembly operations using Chinese materials with less than 25% value added in Malaysia, and direct transshipment of Chinese MSG through Malaysia. The extension aims to enforce existing trade defence measures protecting EU industry.

The European Commission has extended the UK’s data adequacy decisions under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)) and Directive (EU) 2016/680 (Law Enforcement Directive (LED)) for six months from 24 June 2025. The extension allows continued free and safe personal data transfers while the Commission assesses whether the UK’s new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 maintains an adequate level of protection.

The European Commission extends anti-dumping measures on graphite electrode systems (GES) from China to include imports of artificial graphite, applying a 74.9% duty rate from 20 June 2025. The extension follows an investigation that revealed circumvention of existing measures through separate importation of artificial graphite for GES production. The measures specifically target hard blocks and cylinders used in GES manufacturing, excluding powder and paste forms used in batteries and electronics. The EU GES market, valued at €500m with annual consumption of 128,000 tonnes, employs 1,100 people across EU-based producers.

The European Commission has extended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on electric bicycles imported from China for an additional five years. This decision follows an expiry review investigation which revealed ongoing unfair subsidies and dumping practices. The duties, ranging from 10.3% to 70.1% for anti-dumping and 3.9% to 17.2% for countervailing measures, were initially implemented in 2019. The Commission states that the extension is crucial for protecting the EU's e-bike industry, which employs 12,000 people directly and plays a vital role in the EU's green transition and sustainable mobility efforts.

The European Commission has announced the completion of negotiations with Switzerland on a broad package of agreements aimed at deepening and expanding bilateral relations. The package includes updates to five existing internal market agreements, new agreements on food safety, health, and electricity, and provisions for Switzerland's participation in EU programmes. Key changes involve the application of EU law on free movement of persons, the introduction of state aid provisions, and the establishment of a Common Food Safety Area. The agreement also sets Switzerland's annual financial contribution to EU cohesion at €375m until 2036 and introduces an arbitral tribunal for dispute resolution, with involvement from the European Court of Justice on matters of EU law.

The European Commission has found that Apple's online advertising service, Apple Ads and its online intermediation service, Apple Maps, should not be designated under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA). Following a review of Apple's arguments submitted after its notification on 27 November 2025, the Commission concluded that Apple does not qualify as a gatekeeper in relation to these services, as neither constitutes an important gateway for business users to reach end users. The assessment took into account factors such as the relatively low overall usage of Apple Maps in the EU and the limited scale of Apple Ads within the EU online advertising market. The decision does not affect Apple's existing gatekeeper designations, adopted in September 2023 and April 2024, for other core platform services. The Commission will continue to monitor market developments in relation to Apple Ads and Apple Maps.

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings indicating that Temu, an online marketplace, may be in breach of the EU Digital Services Act (EU DSA). The breach relates specifically to Temu’s failure to adequately assess and mitigate the risks of illegal products being sold on its platform. A mystery shopping exercise conducted by the Commission revealed that EU consumers are highly likely to encounter non-compliant products, such as baby toys and small electronics, on Temu. The Commission found that Temu’s October 2024 risk assessment was insufficient, relying on general industry data rather than specific insights into its own operations. This likely led to inadequate mitigation measures.