European Builder Radar

What the EU just changed, and what you have to do about it

EU policy is not short of coverage — it is short of coverage that tells a founder, a developer or a student what actually lands on their desk. This page tracks three lanes, reads the official sources, and for every change says what moved, who it hits, what to do and by when. Every entry links to the primary document so you never have to take my word for it.

37 entries · 12 upcoming dates · updated 19 October 2026

Dates coming up

  1. 27 Oct 2026 in 8 days
    Forum start date in Cologne and online EASA Innovative Air Mobility Implementation Forum
  2. 28 Oct 2026 in 9 days
  3. 10 Nov 2026 in 22 days
  4. 11 Nov 2026 in 23 days
  5. 11 Nov 2026 in 23 days
    Feedback closes (window open now) Public procurement rules revision consultation
  6. 11 Nov 2026 in 23 days
  7. 12 Nov 2026 in 24 days
    Feedback closes (window open now) Public procurement rules revision feedback window
  8. 13 Nov 2026 in 25 days
    Registration deadline for the Apply AI Summit Apply AI Summit and Startup Awards registration
  9. 17 Nov 2026 in 29 days
  10. 2 Dec 2026 in 6 weeks
  11. 10 Dec 2026 in 7 weeks
  12. 1 Mar 2027 in 4 months
    Deadline for Member States to submit monitoring reports to the Commission Consultation on Net-Zero Industry Act reporting templates

Company forms, cross-border setup, financing instruments, insolvency.

AI Act, data and cyber rules, and digital compliance rollouts you have to build against.

EASA rules, U-space airspace, BVLOS and drone-delivery operations.

AI & digital rules new

New rules for Cyber Resilience Act conformity via EUCC

What changed

This delegated act establishes a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act through the EUCC framework.

Who is affected

Developers and manufacturers of digital products with hardware or software components subject to the Cyber Resilience Act.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the final adoption of the delegated act to understand how to use EUCC certification to meet compliance requirements.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc. new

Consultation on the European social security pass for labor mobility

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for a proposed regulation regarding a European social security pass to facilitate fair labor mobility.

Who is affected

Startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and self-employed individuals engaged in temporary cross-border work.

What to do

Submit your feedback on the proposal through the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence how social security data is handled for mobile workers.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc. new

Consultation on Net-Zero Industry Act reporting templates

What changed

The Commission is defining a standardized reporting template for Member States to monitor progress under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). This template aims to ensure consistent data quality across the single market regarding net-zero industry developments.

Who is affected

Founders and companies operating within the net-zero technology sector whose data will be aggregated by Member States.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposed reporting template via the 'Have Your Say' portal to ensure the data collection requirements are practical for industry players.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Scientific Panel investigates frontier AI loss-of-control incidents

What changed

The Scientific Panel on AI and the AI Office have launched an investigation into recent loss-of-control incidents involving frontier models. They have developed a specific set of questions for the developers of the models involved in these incidents.

Who is affected

Companies that have developed frontier AI models involved in recent safety incidents.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for formal requests for information from the AI Office if your model is linked to a loss-of-control event.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

New guidelines for Digital Services Act advertising repositories

What changed

The Commission is establishing guidelines for the advertising repositories required under Article 39 of the Digital Services Act. These rules aim to increase transparency and safety in the online space regarding how ads are displayed and tracked.

Who is affected

Very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs).

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the publication of the final communication to ensure compliance with the specific technical and transparency requirements for ad repositories.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

New age limit for social media and video-sharing platforms

What changed

The EU KIDS Act proposal harmonizes the age for autonomous account creation at 15 years across the Union. It aims to protect minors from risky digital services and AI systems by removing diverging national rules.

Who is affected

Founders and developers of online social networking services and video-sharing platforms operating in the EU.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the final adoption of the proposal to update age-verification workflows and account creation logic for users under 15.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

Startups & EU Inc.

Public procurement rules revision for SMEs and startups

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for a proposed regulation to revise EU public procurement rules. This initiative aims to update the single market framework for how public bodies purchase goods and services.

Who is affected

SMEs, startups, social enterprises, and industry representatives involved in public sector contracts.

What to do

Submit your response to the open consultation to influence how procurement rules are simplified for smaller companies.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc.

Public procurement rules revision feedback window

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for the revision of EU public procurement rules. This initiative aims to update the regulatory framework for the single market.

Who is affected

Startups, SMEs, and industry representatives interested in bidding for public contracts.

What to do

Submit your feedback on the proposed regulation via the 'Have Your Say' portal before the deadline.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc.

Public procurement rules revision consultation

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for a proposed regulation to revise EU rules on public procurement within the single market. This initiative aims to update how public bodies purchase goods and services from the private sector.

Who is affected

Founders, SMEs, and startups that sell or intend to sell products and services to public bodies in the EU.

What to do

Submit a response to the open consultation to influence how procurement rules are structured for small and innovative companies.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc.

Consultation opens on new EU public procurement rules

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback window to revise EU rules on public procurement to improve the single market. This initiative aims to update how public contracts are awarded across the Union.

Who is affected

SMEs, start-ups, social enterprises, and industry representatives involved in public bidding.

What to do

Submit your feedback on the proposed regulation through the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence how procurement rules are structured for small businesses.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Drones & U-space

EASA Innovative Air Mobility Implementation Forum

What changed

EASA has released the agenda for a forum focused on the practical implementation of U-space, VTOL certification, and BVLOS operations. The event serves as a direct feedback loop for industry to share implementation challenges and lessons learned with regulators.

Who is affected

Drone operators, eVTOL manufacturers, and U-space service providers.

What to do

Register for the forum to share direct experience with EASA regarding what is working or where challenges remain in the current regulatory framework for UAS and cross-border operations.

Source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency — news

AI & digital rules

Revision of the EU Chips Act for advanced manufacturing and AI

What changed

The European Commission has initiated a proposal to evaluate and revise the Chips Act to address remaining challenges in the semiconductor sector. The focus is on strengthening the EU's role in advanced manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence chips.

Who is affected

Founders and developers working in semiconductor design, AI hardware, and advanced manufacturing.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the upcoming legislative proposal (PROP_REG) following the evaluation of the feedback received during the consultation period.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Digital Networks Act proposal for cloud and AI connectivity

What changed

The Commission is proposing a new regulation to boost secure high-speed broadband and connectivity for cloud-based infrastructure and AI. This initiative aims to support the digital transition by improving the underlying network infrastructure.

Who is affected

Founders and developers building cloud-based services or AI applications that require high-speed broadband connectivity.

What to do

Nothing yet — monitor the legislative progress of the proposal (Ares(2025)4305261) as it moves through the regulatory process now that the initial feedback period has closed.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Apply AI Summit and Startup Awards registration

What changed

The European Commission is hosting a summit to mark the one-year adoption of the Apply AI Strategy, featuring sessions on the AI Act, robotics, and cybersecurity.

Who is affected

AI startups, industrial representatives, and developers working in strategic sectors like healthcare, mobility, and energy.

What to do

Register by November 13 to attend the summit in person or online to participate in sectoral deep dives and watch the top 10 finalists of the Apply AI Startup Award.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox designated as VLOSE and VLOPs under DSA

What changed

The Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE), and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). These services must now comply with the strictest rules under the Digital Services Act due to reaching over 45 million average monthly users in the EU.

Who is affected

Operators of ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox, and developers or businesses building on these platforms.

What to do

Nothing yet — these platforms have four months to comply with specific DSA obligations, including assessing and mitigating systemic risks and providing access to data for researchers.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

Tender for study on user behavior and DSA features on marketplaces

What changed

The European Commission is seeking organizations to conduct an empirical study on how users interact with DSA-mandated features like notice and action mechanisms and trader information on Very Large Online Marketplaces.

Who is affected

Organizations with expertise in user experience, behavioral research, and data analysis.

What to do

Consult the tender documentation and submit a proposal for the 8-month contract via the dedicated platform.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

Drones & U-space

Join the D-TECT Forum for drone and counter-drone technology

What changed

The European Commission has launched the Drone Tech for Countering Threats (D-TECT) Forum as an industrial coordination mechanism. It focuses on cooperation across the value chain, including AI-enabled navigation, sensing, and secure connectivity.

Who is affected

Companies, research organisations, universities, and industry associations active in the drone and counter-drone domains.

What to do

Submit an application to participate in the inaugural event and register your interest in joining future thematic Working Groups.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

AI Act enforcement and transparency requirements begin

What changed

New rules require chatbots to disclose they are AI and deepfakes to be labeled. AI-generated or altered content must now carry machine-readable marks for easier detection.

Who is affected

Developers and providers of interactive AI systems, chatbots, and tools that generate or alter media content.

What to do

Ensure chatbots inform users they are interacting with AI and implement machine-readable marking for all AI-generated content. Review the Code of Practice on transparency to operationalize these rules.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

Consultation on AI strategy for cultural and creative sectors

What changed

The European Commission is seeking feedback to define a strategic vision for the use of artificial intelligence in cultural and creative industries. The strategy aims to address AI's role in creation, cultural diversity, and linguistic inclusion.

Who is affected

Developers and startups building AI tools for media, culture, and creative industries.

What to do

Submit a response to the open call for evidence to influence the strategic vision for AI in these sectors before the deadline.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Digital Product Passport Registry and testing environment launched

What changed

The European Commission has launched the Digital Product Passport (DPP) Registry along with a dedicated testing environment. This system is designed to make product passports a practical reality for goods on the EU market.

Who is affected

Businesses and developers placing products on the EU market that require a Digital Product Passport.

What to do

Access the newly launched testing environment to begin integrating with the DPP Registry system.

Source: European Commission — Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

AI & digital rules

New transparency guidelines for AI providers and deployers

What changed

The European Commission released guidelines to help organizations comply with AI Act transparency rules, ensuring users know when they interact with AI or AI-generated content. These rules aim to prevent deception and manipulation by requiring clear identification of AI systems.

Who is affected

Providers and deployers of AI systems that interact with people or generate/alter content.

What to do

Review the guidelines to ensure your AI systems clearly disclose AI interaction or content generation to users before the August deadline.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

AliExpress fined €550 million for Digital Services Act breaches

What changed

The European Commission issued a major fine against AliExpress for failing to assess and mitigate risks related to illegal, unsafe, or counterfeit products. The platform has been ordered to take corrective action to comply with its due diligence obligations.

Who is affected

Very large online platforms and e-commerce providers operating in the EU.

What to do

Ensure your platform has active systems to identify and remove illegal or unsafe products and perform regular risk assessments as required by the DSA.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

AI & digital rules

New Digital Product Passport (DPP) information portal and requirements

What changed

The European Commission launched a central portal for the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which mandates digital access to product composition, circularity, and compliance data. Implementation begins with batteries before expanding to textiles, iron, steel, and construction products.

Who is affected

Economic operators, including manufacturers and developers, involved in the value chains of batteries, textiles, and construction products.

What to do

Visit the new DPP web page to access technical resources and guidance for your specific product sector. Prepare to integrate digital systems that provide product lifecycle information, such as environmental impact and end-of-life guidance.

Source: European Commission — Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

AI & digital rules

X to provide researchers and civil society with data access under DSA

What changed

The European Commission approved X's action plan to comply with Digital Services Act transparency obligations. This plan specifically addresses how the platform will grant access to its data for monitoring systemic risks.

Who is affected

Researchers, civil society organizations, and developers monitoring platform impact and systemic risks.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the rollout of X's new data access tools and transparency interfaces to begin monitoring the platform's systemic risks and user impact.

Source: European Commission — Shaping Europe's digital future

Startups & EU Inc.

Proposed EU-wide company form for innovative startups

What changed

The Commission proposed an optional 28th regime allowing companies to incorporate under a single set of harmonized EU rules instead of national laws. This includes digital-only registration, share transfers without notaries, and standardized instruments for convertible loans and stock options.

Who is affected

Founders and innovative companies looking to scale across multiple Member States without re-incorporating or maintaining separate national entities.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the upcoming legislative proposal and its subsequent adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.

Source: European Commission — Communication 'Towards a 28th regime for EU companies'

Drones & U-space

Public consultation on the progress review of the Drone Strategy 2.0

What changed

The European Commission is reviewing the implementation and relevance of the 2022 Drone Strategy to account for technological developments in eVTOL and changing market conditions.

Who is affected

Drone manufacturers, operators, service providers, and financing institutions.

What to do

Complete the stakeholder survey to provide technical and market perspectives that will inform future policy development for the European drone sector.

Source: European Commission — Mobility and Transport

Startups & EU Inc.

Feedback open for Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings 2028-2034

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for the proposed regulation on European partnerships implemented as joint undertakings. This initiative defines the framework for research and innovation partnerships for the 2028-2034 period.

Who is affected

Intermediaries for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs, as well as industry associations and research representatives.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposed regulation via the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence how future innovation partnerships are structured.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Drones & U-space

New European Aviation Action Plan for GNSS interference mitigation

What changed

EASA and EUROCONTROL have developed the first version of the European Aviation Action Plan to address growing risks from GNSS jamming and spoofing. The plan defines specific mitigation actions, required technologies, and implementation timelines for the aviation sector.

Who is affected

Drone operators and manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems relying on satellite navigation.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the rollout of the Action Plan's specific requirements regarding avionics upgrades, new positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions, and standardized operational procedures.

Source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency — news

AI & digital rules

New Cloud and AI Development Act proposal open for feedback

What changed

The EU is proposing a new regulation to triple data processing capacity and address infrastructure gaps in cloud and AI. The initiative focuses on sustainable data centres and increasing localized AI capacity within the EU.

Who is affected

Cloud infrastructure providers, AI developers, and data centre operators.

What to do

Submit a response to the open consultation to influence the development of the Act before the feedback window closes.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Consultation opens for the Cloud and AI Development Act

What changed

The EU has proposed a new regulation to triple data processing capacity and address infrastructure gaps in cloud and AI services. The initiative focuses on sustainable capacity and ensuring infrastructure is located within the EU.

Who is affected

Cloud service providers, AI developers, and data center operators.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposed regulation via the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence the development of EU cloud and AI infrastructure rules.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

New Cloud and AI Development Act to expand EU data processing capacity

What changed

The EU is proposing a new regulation to address the infrastructure gap in cloud and AI capacity, aiming to triple data processing capacity within 5 to 7 years. The initiative focuses on sustainable data centres and ensuring infrastructure is located within the EU.

Who is affected

Cloud infrastructure providers, AI developers, and data centre operators located or operating in the EU.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposal via the 'Have Your Say' portal during the open consultation window. Monitor the development of requirements regarding infrastructure location and sustainability standards.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Digital Networks Act proposal for cloud and AI infrastructure

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback period for a proposed regulation aimed at boosting secure high-speed broadband and cloud-based infrastructure for AI. This initiative focuses on the transition toward digital connectivity systems that support advanced computing.

Who is affected

Developers and companies building cloud-based infrastructure or Artificial Intelligence systems requiring high-speed connectivity.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposal via the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence the regulatory framework for digital networks. Ensure your infrastructure requirements for AI and cloud services are represented before the consultation closes.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

Feedback period opens for Chips Act 2.0 revision

What changed

The European Commission has opened a feedback window for the evaluation and revision of the Chips Act. This initiative focuses on the digital economy, specifically targeting sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, energy, and defense.

Who is affected

Startups and SMEs active in the semiconductor industry, including emerging and scaling companies.

What to do

Submit feedback on the proposed regulation via the 'Have Your Say' portal to influence the revision of semiconductor rules.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Drones & U-space

New Easy Access Rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems published

What changed

EASA has updated the Easy Access Rules to incorporate the SORA 2.5 package for risk assessments in the 'specific' category. The rules are now available in a machine-readable XML format and an improved online version with permalinks for each article.

Who is affected

Drone operators and manufacturers working within the 'open' and 'specific' categories.

What to do

Use the new eRules platform to access the latest SORA 2.5 guidelines and provide feedback via the Easy Access Rules contact form if needed.

Source: European Union Aviation Safety Agency — news

AI & digital rules

New EU strategy for AI in cultural and creative sectors

What changed

The European Commission is developing a strategic vision for the use of artificial intelligence specifically within the cultural and creative industries. This initiative focuses on AI's role in creation, cultural diversity, and linguistic inclusion.

Who is affected

Developers and startups building AI tools for media, culture, and creative content creation.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the publication of the strategy to align product development with the EU's vision for linguistic diversity and creative inclusion.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

Startups & EU Inc.

New EU corporate legal framework for innovative companies

What changed

The European Commission is developing a 28th regime to provide a single harmonized set of rules for innovative companies across the EU. This initiative creates a new EU corporate legal framework to simplify operations for businesses in the single market.

Who is affected

Founders and innovative companies seeking a unified legal structure to operate across EU member states.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the formal proposal of the regulation following the closure of the public consultation period.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)

AI & digital rules

New Legislative Framework revision to introduce Digital Product Passports

What changed

The EU is updating its product legislation blueprint to integrate digital solutions and circular economy goals. This revision introduces the Digital Product Passport as a requirement for product compliance and alignment across the single market.

Who is affected

Manufacturers and developers of physical products subject to EU product legislation and conformity assessment bodies.

What to do

Nothing yet — watch for the formal proposal to understand specific technical requirements for the Digital Product Passport and how it integrates with existing conformity assessments.

Source: European Commission — Have Your Say (consultations & initiatives)