Assistant lawyer Nikola Cīparsone complied the material.
Commercial & regulatory
Commission will investigate how Booking.com combats scams and fraud under the Digital Services Act
Published: 21 October 2026
The European Commission opened formal proceedings to investigate two potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA) by Booking.com. The Commission will examine whether the platform adequately assessed and effectively mitigated the risks posed by fraudulent listings and phishing scams. It will also assess whether Booking.com complied with its advertising transparency obligations by clearly identifying listings that providers paid to have ranked higher in search results.
Dispute resolution
Bank of Russia challenges EU sanctions rule on cross-border enforcement of Russian judgments
Published: 3 November 2026
The EU’s Official Journal published notice of an action filed on 15 September by the Bank of Russia against the Council before the EU General Court (Case T‑613/26). The Bank seeks annulment of Article 1(28) of Regulation (EU) 2026/1848, which allows Member State courts to prohibit a party from seeking recognition or enforcement of certain Russian judgments in any jurisdiction. The Bank argues that the Council exceeded its powers by authorizing injunctions with potentially worldwide effect.
Defence
EU publishes higher thresholds for defence and security procurement
Published: 3 November 2026
The EU’s Official Journal published Directive (EU) 2026/2383, which raises the defence procurement thresholds from €432,000 to €2 million for supply and service contracts and from €5.404 million to €10 million for works contracts. The directive also simplifies transfers of defence-related products between Member States. It enters into force on 23 November 2026. Member States must adopt and publish implementing measures by 24 November 2027 and apply them by 24 February 2028 at the latest.
Finance & insurance
Commission endorses Council position on the third Payment Services Directive
Council position adopted: 28 October 2026
Commission endorsement: 3 November 2026
The European Commission endorsed the Council’s first-reading position on the proposed third Payment Services Directive (PSD3). The directive would bring electronic money institutions under the same authorisation and supervision rules as payment institutions. The accompanying proposal for a Payment Services Regulation addresses payment fraud, consumer protection and open banking. The next step is the European Parliament’s second reading.
Corporate
Council adopts negotiating position on the proposed EU Inc. company regime
Council position adopted: 23 October 2026
The Council adopted its negotiating position on EU Inc., a proposed company-law regime that businesses could choose as an alternative to incorporation under national rules. Under the Council’s position, founders could register a company online within two days at a cost of no more than €100. The text also revises the proposed rules on employee stock options and establishes the Council’s mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament.
