Finnish MEP Calls for EU Digital Governance Overhaul
Juhana Virkkunen, a Finnish Member of the European Parliament, is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of digital governance in the EU, focusing on AI regulations, merger guidelines, and data transfer protocols, particularly concerning TikTok and China. This initiative comes as the EU AI Act, which bans certain AI practices and enforces high-risk obligations, is set to fully take effect in August 2026, imposing fines of up to €35 million for non-compliance.
EU Revives 'Made In Europe' Debate with New Act
The European Union has reignited the 'Made In Europe' debate, focusing on the Industrial Accelerator Act, which aims to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on external suppliers. The act proposes changes to public procurement rules, requiring EU countries to prioritize bids from European companies, particularly in strategic sectors like electric vehicles and green technology. This shift comes amid concerns over Europe's declining manufacturing share of GDP, which has fallen from over 20% in the 1990s to 14% today.
