This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#22, 2026)
Commission launches AI labelling Code; von der Leyen opens New European Bauhaus Festival; two new PGIs registered; committee opinions on Erasmus+ and cohesion funds.
June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026
Commission launches AI labelling Code; von der Leyen opens New European Bauhaus Festival; two new PGIs registered; committee opinions on Erasmus+ and cohesion funds.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission publishes Code of Practice on marking and labelling AI-generated content
The European Commission released the final Code of Practice addressing the marking and labelling of AI-generated content on 9 June 2026. The Code is voluntary and provides providers and deployers of generative artificial intelligence systems with practical steps to comply with the AI Act’s transparency requirements, which enter into force on 2 August 2026. It includes machine-readable marking standards and clear labelling guidelines for deepfakes and AI-manipulated content, particularly on matters of public interest. The Code was developed with input from over 180 stakeholders, including SMEs, academia, public sector bodies, and civil society organisations. It separates obligations for providers and deployers, covering both technical marking and visible labelling. The Commission invites providers and deployers to sign the Code, and once approved by the Commission and AI Board, signatories may demonstrate compliance with upcoming AI Act obligations. Guidelines will be issued to complement the Code and clarify legal scope.
Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the New European Bauhaus Festival 2026
On 8 June 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen delivered the opening speech at the New European Bauhaus Festival. She highlighted the movement’s growth since its launch, noting over 700 projects and broad engagement from the Parliament and Member States. Von der Leyen referenced the Council's recommendation on New European Bauhaus adopted in May and announced EUR 50 million additional investment in the New European Bauhaus Academy over the next two years. The speech also emphasised upcoming legislation, including the Circular Economy Act scheduled for later this year, which aims to create a single European market for high-quality recycled materials. Von der Leyen discussed collaboration with Ukraine through the launch of the first international Academy hub and presented examples of sustainable and innovative design materials showcased at the festival. The event included the first EU-wide competition for designing the official Bauhaus trophy.
Press remarks by Executive Vice-President Ribera on interim measures imposed on Meta
Executive Vice-President Ribera announced on 8 June 2026 the adoption of interim measures requiring Meta to restore free access to WhatsApp for competing AI assistants. The measures will remain in place until the Commission’s investigation concludes or until June 2029, whichever comes first. Ribera detailed the events leading to the decision: in January 2026, Meta restricted access for rival AI assistants, prompting the Commission to open an abuse of dominance investigation and issue a Statement of Objections in March. Meta’s restoration of access was deemed economically unsustainable due to high fees, effectively foreclosing competition. The interim measures restore conditions prior to January, enabling AI start-ups and established providers—both European and international—to access WhatsApp without prohibitive costs. The decision aims to maintain contestability in AI markets during the investigation.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1271 registers 'Judión de La Granja'
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1271, adopted on 4 June 2026 and published on 11 June, registers 'Judión de La Granja' (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Spain's application was published in OJ C/2026/689 without opposition. The PGI will be binding for all Member States twenty days from publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1248 registers 'Zampina di Sammichele di Bari'
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1248, signed on 4 June 2026 and published on 11 June, registers 'Zampina di Sammichele di Bari' (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Italy's application appeared in OJ C/2026/1038, and no opposition was recorded. Entry into force is twenty days post-publication.
EP Committee Work
CULT Committee opinion on European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion
On 10 June 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) issued its opinion, with Rapporteur Hélder SOUSA SILVA, regarding the proposed regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028-2034. The opinion addresses amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
DEVE Committee opinion on the Erasmus+ programme 2028-2034
The Committee on Development (DEVE) published its opinion on 10 June 2026 for the proposed regulation establishing the Erasmus+ programme for 2028-2034. Rapporteur Carolina MORACE reviewed the provisions, which include repeal of Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888.
CULT Committee opinion on European Social Fund within National and Regional Partnership Plan
On 9 June 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) delivered its opinion, with Rapporteur Isilda GOMES, on the regulation establishing the European Social Fund as part of the National and Regional Partnership Plan. The document focuses on implementation conditions for Union support to employment, skills, and social inclusion during 2028-2034.
LIBE Committee draft opinion on Digital Networks Act
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) produced a draft opinion on 9 June 2026 for the Digital Networks Act. Rapporteur Ana VASCONCELOS highlighted proposed amendments to Regulation (EU) 2015/2120, Directive 2002/58/EC, Decision No 676/2002/EC, and repeal of Regulation (EU) 2018/1971, Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and Decision No 243/2012/EU.
IMCO Committee draft opinion on 2027 annual budget guidelines
On 8 June 2026, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) released a draft opinion on the financial year 2027 budget guidelines. Rapporteur Piotr MÜLLER detailed provisions relevant to all budget sections.
AFET Committee report on the 2025 Commission report on Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) published its report on 10 June 2026 evaluating the 2025 Commission report on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report was authored by Rapporteur Ondřej KOLÁŘ.
BUDG Committee press conference on MFF negotiations
The Budget Committee (BUDG) announced a press conference for 16 June 2026 with lead MEPs Siegfried Mureşan (EPP) and Carla Tavares (S&D) following the Cyprus presidency's presentation of the negotiating box for the 2028-2034 EU long-term budget. EU ministers will discuss the MFF at the General Affairs Council.
What We're Reading This Week
- US Justice Department approves Paramount-Warner Bros. merger: Regulators greenlight major Hollywood studio merger, reshaping the entertainment industry’s competitive landscape.
- Groupe Le Monde's ownership structure in 2026: Major stakeholders alter shareholdings, reshaping control and editorial influence at Groupe Le Monde in 2026.
