This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Competitiveness Council (Research) discusses digital innovation; ITRE draft report on European Business Wallets; Legal Affairs and Budgetary Control opinions on Horizon Europe and business wallets.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Competitiveness Council (Research) discusses digital innovation; ITRE draft report on European Business Wallets; Legal Affairs and Budgetary Control opinions on Horizon Europe and business wallets.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Council
Competitiveness Council (Research) holds informal meeting on digital competitiveness
On 31 March 2026, the informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (Research) convened via video conference under the Council's rotating presidency. Discussions focused on the EU's strategic priorities in digital innovation, research infrastructure, and the ongoing response to Russia's war against Ukraine. The agenda included topics such as the EU's role in global trade, industry competitiveness, and the implementation of sanctions. Ministers also exchanged views on enhancing the EU's position in the international research landscape and strengthening ties with regions including the Middle East and North Africa. Practical information and updates about the meeting are available through the Council presidency's communication channels.
EP Committee Work
ITRE draft report on the Regulation for European Business Wallets
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) published its draft report on 1 April 2026 concerning the proposal for a regulation on the establishment of European Business Wallets (COM(2025)0838 – 2025/0358(COD)), with Eero Heinäluoma (S&D, FI) serving as rapporteur. The report details amendments to the Commission text, focusing on requirements for secure digital identity, cross-border interoperability, and cybersecurity standards for the European Business Wallet. The rapporteur introduced provisions to limit administrative burdens for SMEs and clarified obligations for public sector bodies, notably exempting municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The document also addresses the need for alignment with Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, the Digital Identity Framework, and proposes that wallet and supporting infrastructure providers must be established in the EU and comply with cybersecurity obligations, referencing Directive (EU) 2022/2555. The amendments reinforce data storage within the Union and enhance interoperability with existing EU and national systems.
Legal Affairs Committee draft opinion on the European Business Wallets Regulation
On 1 April 2026, the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) released its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing European Business Wallets (PE786.718v02-00), with Axel Voss (EPP, DE) as rapporteur. The opinion reviews legal compatibility with existing company law and trust services, referencing Directive (EU) 2017/1132 and Regulation (EU) No 910/2014. The document analyses the legal effect of the wallet framework, addressing mandates, power of attorney, and requirements for electronic signatures, and includes recommendations on data protection and liability.
Budgetary Control Committee opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034
On 31 March 2026, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) adopted its opinion on the proposal for the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2028–2034), repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/695. Rapporteur Olivier Chastel (Renew, BE) focused on financial management, auditing rules, and transparency requirements. The opinion supports enhanced monitoring of digital infrastructure projects, including cloud and AI research, and calls for streamlined rules on participation and dissemination.
Culture and Education Committee opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034
On 30 March 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), with Laurence Farreng (Renew, FR) as rapporteur, issued its opinion on the proposed Horizon Europe Framework Programme for 2028–2034. The opinion highlights the importance of research funding for digital skills, AI, and technological innovation. CULT advocates for broadening participation and supporting the dissemination of research results, especially in digital culture and creative sectors.
What We're Reading This Week
- Could data centres use human brain cells to process information?: Researchers are exploring biocomputing with human brain cells as a potential solution for more efficient data center processing.
- Top EU officials’ Signal group chat shut down over hacking fears: EU leaders discontinue use of Signal group chat amid rising cybersecurity concerns following suspected hacking attempts.
- International Fact-Checking Day: How to spot AI-generated disinformation: Media experts share practical tips to help readers identify and avoid falling for AI-generated misinformation online.
- Lo spyware di un’azienda italiana si fingeva WhatsApp. Meta: “Avvisati gli utenti colpiti”: Meta ha notificato gli utenti coinvolti dopo che uno spyware italiano si è spacciato per WhatsApp per infettare dispositivi.
- French AI firm Mistral borrows $830 million to build Paris data center: Mistral secures $830 million in debt financing to expand AI operations with a new data center in Paris.
