This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission presents EU KIDS Act restricting platforms' access to minors; new PGI for Olio dei Colli di Bologna; Segarcea PDO amendment; EU-Japan agreement on Union programmes.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission presents EU KIDS Act restricting platforms' access to minors; new PGI for Olio dei Colli di Bologna; Segarcea PDO amendment; EU-Japan agreement on Union programmes.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
European Commission
Commission Adopts EU KIDS Act to Restrict Social Media Platforms' Access to Children
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act, a legislative proposal to enhance the online safety of children across the Union. The Act prohibits social media platforms from granting access to children under 13 and sets an EU-wide minimum age of 15 for minors to open an account. Providers must demonstrate that their services are age-appropriate and safe by design, including bans on addictive features and profiling-based recommender systems for minors. The proposal introduces privacy-preserving age assurance tools and parental control requirements. The enforcement framework draws on mechanisms established under the Digital Services Act and Artificial Intelligence Act, with expedited procedures for noncompliance. The legislative proposal has been submitted to the European Parliament and Council for examination and adoption.
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on the EU KIDS Act
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen delivered remarks on 16 September 2026 regarding the EU KIDS Act, focusing on the harmful impact of social media on children and the need for robust measures. She referenced ongoing Digital Services Act enforcement actions against platforms such as TikTok and Meta, particularly on addictive designs and weak age assurance. Virkkunen outlined specific safety-by-design obligations, including prohibitions on stranger contact, targeted ads, and addictive features for users under 18. She also addressed the regulation of AI companions and chatbots, which must not simulate interpersonal relationships creating emotional dependency. The Act mandates strong age verification and parental tools, with a compliance burden placed on platforms.
Statement by President von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on the EU KIDS Act
President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen issued a joint statement on 16 September 2026, presenting the context and objectives of the EU KIDS Act. Von der Leyen cited findings from the July 2026 Eurobarometer, noting widespread public demand for stronger online protection for children. The statement detailed the Act's graduated approach: no social media accounts under 13, supervised 'mini accounts' for ages 13-15, and safety-by-design obligations for all minors. The Act reverses the burden of proof, requiring platforms to pre-submit detailed child safety plans. Von der Leyen referenced a Special Panel of experts convened in March 2026 and announced a forthcoming Digital Fairness Act. The KIDS Act legislative process now moves to Parliament and Council.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078: Registration of Olio dei Colli di Bologna (PGI)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078 of 9 September 2026 registers 'Olio dei Colli di Bologna' as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Italy's application was published with no opposition received, and the product is now entered in the Union register of geographical indications. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication in the Official Journal (CELEX: 32026R2078).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2106: Amendment to Segarcea PDO Specification
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2106 of 14 September 2026 approves a Union amendment to the product specification for the protected designation of origin 'Segarcea' under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Romania's application was processed with no statements of opposition. The amendment is binding and directly applicable in all Member States as of its entry into force (CELEX: 32026R2106).
Agreement between the EU and Japan on Participation in Union Programmes
The Official Journal published the Agreement between the European Union and the Government of Japan on 17 September 2026, establishing terms for Japan's participation in Union programmes, including Horizon Europe. The agreement details financial contributions, participation rights, and governance mechanisms. Specific provisions enable Japanese entities to take part in research and innovation activities, with protocols on audits, financial management, and the Joint Committee for implementation (CELEX: 32026A2066).
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060: EU-Armenia Partnership Strategic Agenda
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2060 of 20 November 2025 sets the Union's position within the EU-Armenia Partnership Council for adoption of a Strategic Agenda. The agenda outlines cooperation priorities for the medium term, including economic development, regulatory alignment, and resilience building under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (Regulation (EU) 2021/947).
