This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#15, 2026)
Commission launches 20th Russia sanctions package; EU signs One Europe, One Market Roadmap; Poland advances on NextGenerationEU; Parliament debates Digital Markets Act enforcement; Council readies telecoms ministers.
April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026
Commission launches 20th Russia sanctions package; EU signs One Europe, One Market Roadmap; Poland advances on NextGenerationEU; Parliament debates Digital Markets Act enforcement; Council readies telecoms ministers.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of telecommunications ministers: On April 29, the EU Council's Informal meeting of telecommunications ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
EU adopts 20th sanctions package targeting Russia's tech, energy and finance sectors
On 22 April 2026, the European Commission detailed the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, introducing new listings targeting 120 individuals and entities, including 36 designations in the Russian energy sector and 58 companies in the military-industrial complex. The measures further restrict Russian access to dual-use goods, high-tech items, and crypto-asset service providers. The package also invokes the anti-circumvention tool for the first time, limiting exports to the Kyrgyz Republic of items systematically re-exported to Russia. Additional export bans cover chemicals, rubber, and industrial tools, while import bans affect metals, minerals, and processed aluminium. Financial sanctions expand to 20 Russian and four third-country banks, and legal protections for EU operators against Russian retaliation are strengthened. The sanctions also block online mirror propaganda outlets and prohibit acceptance of Russian research funding. Five financial institutions and 11 vessels are de-listed following compliance. The package aligns certain provisions with the Belarus sanctions regime.
European Institutions agree Roadmap for a unified Single Market by 2027
On 23 April 2026, the President of the Republic of Cyprus (Council), and the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission, signed the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' at an informal summit. The agreement sets legislative targets to strengthen competitiveness and integration of the Single Market by the end of 2027. The Roadmap establishes quarterly reviews, institutional responsibilities, and regular stocktaking to ensure transparency and coordinated delivery across institutions. The aim is to reinforce resilience and advance Europe's economic and digital transformation.
Commission and Committee of the Regions sign renewed Joint Action Plan for research and innovation
On 23 April 2026, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions launched a new Joint Action Plan to enhance the regional dimension of EU research and innovation policy. The Plan focuses on strengthening local innovation ecosystems, supporting the green and digital transition, increasing awareness and access to Horizon Europe funding, and promoting evidence-based policymaking. The partnership will run through the Commission’s 2024-2029 mandate, building on the previous plan that operated from 2020-2025.
Commission approves Poland's €7.2 billion payment request under NextGenerationEU
On 22 April 2026, the Commission gave a positive assessment of Poland’s fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, totalling €7.2 billion. Poland has fulfilled 30 milestones and 13 targets, including reforms and investments in healthcare digitisation, cybersecurity, broadband expansion, hydrogen infrastructure, and zero-emission public transport. The payment awaits opinion from the Economic and Financial Committee before final approval.
EU Council
Telecommunications ministers to meet at Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will convene informally on 29 April 2026, with telecommunications ministers expected to discuss ICT, cybersecurity, and digital policy priorities.
EP Motions & Questions
PPE Group tables motion on enforcement of the Digital Markets Act
On 22 April 2026, Anna Cavazzini and Andreas Schwab (PPE) tabled a motion for resolution on the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (DMA), calling for rigorous and timely application, coordination with national authorities, and scrutiny of gatekeeper compliance in digital markets.
EP Committee Work
IMCO: Draft opinion on institutional aspects of artificial intelligence in European integration
On 20 April 2026, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), rapporteur Gheorghe Piperea, published a draft opinion on the institutional aspects of AI in the context of European integration, addressing governance, regulatory challenges, and alignment with the Artificial Intelligence Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689).
LIBE: Draft opinion on institutional aspects of AI in European integration
On 21 April 2026, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), rapporteur Lukas Mandl, issued a draft opinion on the implications of AI for EU law, focusing on civil liberties, justice, and the intersection with existing data and fundamental rights frameworks.
CONT: Opinion on the European Competitiveness Fund proposal
On 24 April 2026, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT), rapporteur Ondřej Knotek, delivered its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including provisions on defence research and innovation, amending and repealing several sectoral regulations.
IMCO: Draft opinion on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion
On 20 April 2026, IMCO (rapporteur Gheorghe Piperea) issued a draft opinion on the Commission's proposal for the European Fund for cohesion and security for 2028-2034 (COM(2025)0565), addressing digital sovereignty and simplified funding rules.
SEDE: Draft opinion on the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion
On 20 April 2026, the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes, provided a draft opinion on the Commission’s proposal for the European Fund for 2028-2034, focusing on strategic dependencies and security.
ITRE: Draft report on the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)
On 20 April 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), rapporteur Christian Ehler, published its draft report on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (2025/0555(COD)), including amendments to ensure productivity, digital leadership, and targeted funding for ICT, AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing.
PETI: Motion for resolution on protection of EU companies and jobs from unfair non-EU competition
On 21 April 2026, the Committee on Petitions (PETI), rapporteur Bogdan Rzońca, tabled a motion for resolution (2025/2955(RSP)) focusing on EU regulatory responses to unfair competition, particularly in e-commerce, product safety, and customs, referencing Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 on products made with forced labour.
