This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#34, 2026)
Commission designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as DSA VLOPs; Commission issues Article 102 guidelines; Harmonised PPE standards updated; Amending budget definitively adopted.
August 30, 2026 to September 05, 2026
Commission designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as DSA VLOPs; Commission issues Article 102 guidelines; Harmonised PPE standards updated; Amending budget definitively adopted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
European Commission
Commission designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox under Digital Services Act
On 30 August 2026, the Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, the Digital Services Act. These services reportedly reach over 45 million monthly users in the EU, meeting the DSA’s threshold for enhanced regulatory obligations. From notification, the platforms have four months to comply with obligations covering risk assessments related to illegal content, impacts on minors, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security. The Commission will supervise compliance, cooperating with Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland) and the Authority for Consumers and Markets (Netherlands) as Digital Services Coordinators where the services are established. The move brings the total of DSA designations to 28. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, commented that these platforms will now face higher scrutiny and accountability within the EU.
Commission adopts EU Guidelines on exclusionary abuses of dominance
On 2 September 2026, the Commission adopted new Guidelines on the application of Article 102 TFEU to abusive exclusionary conduct by dominant companies. The guidelines follow a three-year consultation with stakeholders and aim to provide clarity on predatory pricing, margin squeeze, exclusive dealing, and refusal to supply. They replace the 2008 Guidance on enforcement priorities for exclusionary conduct under Article 82 EC Treaty [now Article 102 TFEU], referencing case law and the Commission’s practice. The guidelines establish criteria for determining dominance, evaluation of exclusionary effects, and possible justifications based on objective necessity or efficiencies. The Commission intends to ensure consistent enforcement across Member States and national courts. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, noted that this guidance draws on established legal precedents and ongoing enforcement efforts.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Definitive adoption of Amending budget No 1 for the financial year 2026
On 3 September 2026, Definitive adoption (EU, Euratom) 2026/1855 was published, completing Amending budget No 1 for the EU’s 2026 financial year. The legislative act follows Council Decision 2020/2053, Regulation 2024/2509, and Regulation 2020/2093. The procedure was completed after Parliament’s approval on 7 July 2026, with President R. Metsola signing the act in Strasbourg.
Updated harmonised standards for PPE: protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1971, of 3 September 2026, amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1279, updating harmonised standards for protective gloves for hairdressers (EN ISO 374-6:2025), protective clothing against rain (EN ISO 24232:2025), and eye and face protection (EN ISO 16321-1:2022/A1:2025, EN ISO 16321-3:2022/A1:2026) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Outdated standards’ references are withdrawn, and manufacturers are given a transition period to adapt. The Decision enters into force upon its publication in the Official Journal.
