EU Law Expiry Creates Uncertainty for Tech Firms
Starting April 4, 2026, technology companies in Europe, including Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Snap, face legal uncertainty as a law permitting the scanning of online messages for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has expired. Although scanning becomes illegal, these firms have indicated they will continue voluntary scanning efforts while urging EU institutions to expedite negotiations for a new regulatory framework. European officials have warned that continuing such practices without a legal basis would violate the e-Privacy Directive.
Greece reshuffles cabinet amid EU subsidy scandal
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a government reshuffle following the resignation of three cabinet members amid an escalating EU farm subsidy scandal. The ministers of agriculture and civil protection, along with a deputy health minister, stepped down as European prosecutors investigate allegations of fraudulent claims for land and livestock, potentially involving tens of millions in subsidies. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is probing 20 politicians from the ruling New Democracy party, with demands for the lifting of immunity for 11 MPs.
French MEP Rima Hassan Detained for Alleged Terrorism Promotion
Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from France, was detained by police on April 2, 2026, for allegedly promoting terrorism through a social media post referencing Kozo Okamoto, a perpetrator of a 1972 terrorist attack in Israel. Her lawyer, Vincent Brengarth, criticized the legality of the detention, claiming it circumvented her parliamentary immunity and constituted a political harassment. Hassan has been summoned to appear in court on July 7, 2026, to face charges related to the post.
