Legal assistant Liis Pormeister compiled the material.
Competition
Commission approves Google’s acquisition of Wiz
Approved: 10 February 2026
The European Commission has approved Google’s acquisition of cloud‑security company Wiz, concluding that the deal does not pose competition concerns in the EEA. After examining feedback from customers and competitors, the Commission found that strong alternative providers remain available and that Google would not gain access to sensitive data about rival cloud services through the acquisition. As a result, the merger was cleared unconditionally under EU merger rules.
See also: press release.
Technology and data
Commission launches investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act
Started: 17 February 2026
The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act, focusing on concerns related to addictive design features, opaque recommender systems, and the sale of illegal products. The investigation will examine Shein’s efforts to prevent illegal content, mitigate risks linked to engagement‑driven design, and ensure transparency and non‑profiling options in its recommendation tools. While the inquiry will be carried out as a priority the opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome.
See also: press release.
The European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor adopt a Joint Opinion on the Digital Omnibus Regulation proposal
Adopted: 11 February 2026
The European Data Protection Board and the European Data Protection Supervisor have issued a Joint Opinion on the proposed Digital Omnibus Regulation, supporting efforts to simplify digital rules and reduce burdens for organisations. However, they raise strong concerns about proposed changes to the definition of personal data, warning these could weaken privacy protections and create legal uncertainty. They welcome several improvements, such as streamlined data breach notifications and steps to reduce cookie‑banner fatigue, while recommending further clarifications to ensure safeguards and individuals’ rights remain robust.
See also: press release.
Intellectual property
EU requests WTO panel in dispute with China over royalties for EU high-tech sector
Published: 12 February 2026
The European Commission has taken the next step in its dispute with China over practices that allow Chinese courts to set global licensing terms for standard‑essential patents, including EU patents, without the patent holders’ consent. The EU argues this gives Chinese manufacturers an unfair advantage, undermines EU companies’ intellectual property rights, and breaches WTO TRIPS rules. After unsuccessful consultations, the EU will request a WTO panel on 24 February 2026 to ensure European high‑tech firms can protect their innovations.
See also: press release.
