Legal assistant Liis Pormeister compiled the material.
Competition
The Commission opens an in-depth investigation into an arbitration award ordering Bulgaria to pay compensation to ACF
Published: 21 January 2026
The European Commission has opened an in‑depth investigation into whether an arbitration award ordering Bulgaria to pay compensation to ACF Renewable Energy Limited constitutes unlawful State aid. The award stems from an intra‑EU dispute under the Energy Charter Treaty, an arbitration route that the CJEU has previously ruled incompatible with EU law. The Commission’s preliminary view is that paying the award would breach EU State aid rules and possibly the EU’s judicial autonomy.
See also: press release.
Technology and data
EU supports digital connectivity with more straightforward and harmonised rules in Digital Networks Act
Adopted: 21 January 2026
The European Commission proposed the Digital Networks Act to modernise, simplify and harmonise EU rules on connectivity networks. The Digital Networks Act introduces one‑stop registration for companies, establishes an EU‑level spectrum framework for satellite services, makes national spectrum licensing more predictable by offering longer, renewable licences, promotes spectrum sharing to ensure efficient use, and establishes a voluntary cooperation mechanism between telecom operators and digital service providers.
See also: press release.
Trade
EU and Mercosur sign a historic and ambitious partnership
Signed: 17 January 2026
The EU and Mercosur have signed a historic Partnership Agreement and Interim Trade Agreement, creating one of the world’s largest trade zones with 700 million consumers. The deal is expected to boost EU exports and remove tariffs, open significant new opportunities for EU industry and agriculture, and strengthen cooperation on sustainability and climate. It presents significant opportunities for mutual gain through strengthened economic, geopolitical, sustainability, and security cooperation.
See also: press release.
Life sciences
The Parliament adopted proposals to enhance the availability and supply of essential medicines in the EU
Adopted: 11 April 2025
The European Parliament has adopted its position on new rules to improve the availability of critical medicines such as antibiotics, insulin and vaccines, and boost competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector. The proposal focuses on increasing EU-based production through strategic manufacturing projects, favouring European-made medicines in public procurement, and expanding joint purchasing between countries.
See also: press release.
