This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes EU KIDS Act; Provisional safeguard on silicon-electrical steel under Regulation (EU) 2026/2133; Japan joins Horizon Europe programmes.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission proposes EU KIDS Act; Provisional safeguard on silicon-electrical steel under Regulation (EU) 2026/2133; Japan joins Horizon Europe programmes.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission Proposes EU KIDS Act to Enhance Online Child Safety
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act, a legislative proposal designed to restrict social media platforms' access to children and set EU-wide standards for digital child protection. The Act prohibits access to social media for children under 13, sets the minimum age for autonomous accounts at 15, and introduces obligations for platforms to prove that their services are safe by design. Service providers must submit compliance plans for independent audit and implement privacy-preserving age assurance tools. The enforcement framework leverages existing mechanisms under the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. The proposal is based on recommendations from the Special Panel on Child Safety Online, convened in March 2026, and significant public support measured in the Special Eurobarometer on the Digital Decade 2026. The legislative proposal has been transmitted to the European Parliament and Council for examination.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Provisional Safeguard Measure on Imports of Silicon-Electrical Steel
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2133, adopted on 18 September 2026, imposes a provisional safeguard measure on imports of certain grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel (GOES) and steel laminations and cores (SLCs). Triggered by a request from Germany, France, and Poland, the measure responds to a 120% rise in imports between 2021 and 2025, notably from China. The regulation introduces tariff rate quotas and specific duties for a 155-day period and covers both direct imports and those incorporated into transformers. The measure is intended to address serious injury to the Union industry, referencing Regulation (EU) 2015/478 and Regulation (EU) 2015/755. Imports from certain countries, including Ukraine and EEA/EFTA states, are excluded.
Japan to Participate in EU Programmes under New Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065, adopted on 14 July 2026, approves the signing and provisional application of the Agreement between the EU and the Government of Japan on the participation of Japan in Union programmes. The Agreement (OJ L 2026/2066, 17 September 2026) sets conditions for Japan’s association to Horizon Europe, specifically to Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.' The arrangement includes financial contribution modalities, governance provisions, and mechanisms for audits and protection of the Union’s financial interests.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
EU Council
Competitiveness Council to Debate Chips Act 2.0 and Merger Guidelines
On 24 September 2026, the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) will hold discussions on the Chips Act 2.0 and the revision of merger control guidelines. Ministers will also be briefed on the Industrial Accelerator Act, the 28th regime, and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Eurogroup Reviews Economic Prospects and Productivity
Eurogroup ministers met on 18 September 2026 to discuss euro area economic developments, productivity, and growth in the context of current geopolitical and economic challenges.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU Digital Identity Wallet: what it is and how it works: EU launches a unified digital identity wallet, enabling citizens to access public and private services securely across member states.
- One wallet, 27 systems: can the EU build an untraceable Digital ID?: EU explores creating a unified digital ID system amid concerns over user privacy and potential for untraceable transactions.
- Every Iranian strike came with a cyberattack, UAE cyber chief says: Iran coordinated cyberattacks alongside physical strikes, highlighting escalating hybrid warfare tactics, according to the UAE’s top cybersecurity official.
- Are we all going to die or is it just theatrics? The arguments against an AI apocalypse: Experts highlight practical limitations of AI, challenging fears of an imminent existential threat from artificial intelligence.
- (S+) Artificial Intelligence: What Happens If We Lose Control of AI?: Experts warn that losing control over AI systems could pose significant risks to society, from economic disruption to security threats.
