European Union

Around 2,000 employees of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) have signed an appeal in defence of public service media. They see their independence threatened by the government's plans to abolish public service media fees and make their financing part of the state budget.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed several agreements at a long-postponed meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, although territorial tensions in the Aegean Sea and the unresolved Cyprus question continue to strain the bilateral relations. The Greek press sees positive signs but stresses that the situation between the two countries remains delicate.

Speaking at the Leaders’ retreat on competitiveness, President Metsola said that there was “a narrow window of opportunity” to do the necessary to push Europe forward.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Speaking at the Leaders’ retreat on competitiveness, President Metsola said that there was “a narrow window of opportunity” to do the necessary to push Europe forward.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Thursday 12 February

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Thursday 12 February

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Written by Maria Niestadt.

CONTEXT

On 19 November 2025, the Commission published a proposal for a Digital Omnibus on AI: a set of amendments to the Artificial Intelligence Act (in force since 1 August 2024) and to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 on common rules for civil aviation (in force since 11 September 2018). These amendments seek to address specific implementation issues and to reduce the regulatory burden arising from the AI Act; the timely application of the AI Act has faced some delays, particularly regarding the designation of national competent authorities and the publication of harmonised standards and compliance tools for high-risk AI requirements. The minor amendments to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 aim to ensure the consistent application of the AI Act’s high-risk requirements in civil aviation.

The Digital Omnibus on AI is part of a broader digital package published on 19 November 2025, which includes two digital omnibus proposals (henceforth referred to as ‘the digital omnibus’: one amending personal and non-personal data and cybersecurity rules, and another – the Digital Omnibus on AI – amending AI rules), the European data union strategy and a proposed regulation on European business wallets. The digital package aims to simplify and enhance the effectiveness of the EU’s digital laws, and help EU businesses to innovate, scale, and save on administrative costs. While the digital package has been welcomed by most stakeholders, the digital omnibus has raised concerns about achieving simplification while ensuring fundamental rights. It also entails a risk that simplification could upset the fragile equilibrium achieved during the initial trilogue negotiations.

Legislative proposal

2025/0359(COD) – Proposal for a regulation amending Regulations (EU) 2024/1689 and (EU) 2018/1139 as regards the simplification of the implementation of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (Digital Omnibus on AI) – COM(2025) 836 final, 19.11.2025.

NEXT STEPS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

For the latest developments regarding this legislative procedure, see the Legislative Train Schedule.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Digital Omnibus on AI‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

The Council today appointed new prosecutors for Belgium and Czechia to the EU Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO). European prosecutors supervise investigations and prosecutions and, together with the European Chief Prosecutor, form the EPPO College. 

The Council today formally approved measures to help tackle the influx of goods entering the EU duty free in small parcels - a problem which can lead to unfair competition for EU sellers.

The Council extended the mandates of the EU Special Representatives for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and for Human Rights.

The Council adopted a set of implementing decisions making the financial assistance under the SAFE regulation available to eight EU member states and adopted decisions authorising the EU to sign and conclude the bilateral agreement between the EU and Canada.

Press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on 13 February 2026 at 10.30. 

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/254 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 concerning restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/239 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Tunisia.

MEPs voted in favour of three pieces of legislation to make a €90 billion EU loan available for Ukraine as it faces Russia’s continued war of aggression.
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Budgets
Committee on International Trade
Committee on Security and Defence

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

MEPs voted in favour of three pieces of legislation to make a €90 billion EU loan available for Ukraine as it faces Russia’s continued war of aggression.
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on Budgets
Committee on International Trade
Committee on Security and Defence

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP