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This is the tenth edition of an annual EPRS paper aimed at identifying and framing many of the key issues and policy areas that will feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass, the next long term EU budget, Ukraine's integration into the EU, defence, EU-China relations, the impact of artificial intelligence on the web, the potential of startup companies, irregular migration, climate policy, action for ...

The rise of generative AI has presented a global challenge to copyright law regarding authorship and human creativity. This has implications for the ability of creators to control and monetise their work, in addition to incentives to use innovative technologies. Currently, the EU lacks specific rules on the copyrightability of AI-generated works, but existing case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and developments at Member State level demonstrate a strong need for human creativity ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we look for information online. Search engines increasingly offer AI-generated answers that keep users on their platforms instead of redirecting them to external websites, and many are now using generative AI tools as search engines. This convergence has intensified competition between traditional search engines and generative AI platforms. At the same time, experts warn that such reliance may lead to informational dependency and a decline in users ...

The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), adopted in June 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI. It sits at the centre of the EU’s broader digital rulebook, alongside the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Act, the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), and the NIS2 Directive. Together, these laws aim to promote safety, trust, and competitiveness in Europe’s digital economy. However, questions arise ...

This study explores how the AI Act relates to various other crucial pieces of EU digital legislation, such as the GDPR, the Data Act and the Cyber Resilience Act. It assesses overlaps and gaps between these acts, and shows that, while each of them is individually well targeted, their interplay creates significant regulatory complexity. Finally, it also provides reflections and suggestions for possible evolutions of the AI Act, and of EU digital legislation as a whole, keeping in mind the objective ...

This study investigates the integration and effects of artificial intelligence and algorithmic management (AM) technologies within European workplaces, extending beyond the realm of platform work. It thoroughly examines the European regulatory framework for the use of AM technologies, engages in stakeholder interviews, and analyses case studies within the logistics, healthcare, telecoms, automotive and manufacturing sectors, revealing notable gaps in worker protection and regulatory oversight. The ...

Nearly all forms of serious and organised crime have a digital footprint and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted fraud is a growing threat. Thanks to generative AI, fraudsters can replicate voices and create deepfake video calls and synthetic identities. Deepfake voice scams are escalating rapidly, posing a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, as well as legislative frameworks worldwide. Protecting against these threats requires a multi-layered approach using proactive and reactive ...

Although microelectronics have a significant role in modern life, their low visibility and complex value chain have contributed to concealing a decline in EU industry in the field. It is broadly assumed that microelectronics are designed in California and manufactured in Taiwan. What if the EU could take a particularly strategic position in this technology?

This briefing highlights the critical role of ex-post budgetary control in enabling the European Parliament (EP) and its Budgetary Control Committee (CONT) to hold the executive accountable and improve financial accountability and parliamentary oversight.

As the global race to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates, the European Union has set the objective of becoming a leading AI continent. The adoption of the Artificial Intelligence Act in 2024 was a milestone in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI in the EU, but regulation alone cannot make the EU a technological leader. In April 2025, the European Commission published an AI continent action plan, a communication that attempts to look beyond rules and ...