European Commission - Daily News Daily News 06 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 6 February 2026 Commission preliminarily finds TikTok's addictive design in breach of the Digital Services Act Today, the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for its addictive design. This includes features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender ...
European Commission - Daily News Daily News 06 / 02 / 2026 Brussels, 6 February 2026 Commission preliminarily finds TikTok's addictive design in breach of the Digital Services Act Today, the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act for its addictive design. This includes features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender system. Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens. The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users. In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.” The Commission's investigation preliminarily indicates that TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults. TikTok seems to fail to implement reasonable, proportionate and effective measures to mitigate risks stemming from its addictive design. Find more information in our press release . (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85) Commission issues guidelines to protect media content on online platforms The European Commission has released new guidelines to ensure that professional journalism is recognised and protected across the world's largest digital platforms. These guidelines will help Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) – as defined by the Digital Services Act – and media service providers implement the relevant provisions of the European Media Freedom Act . Article 18 (1) of the European Media Freedom Act introduces concrete safeguards to protect media content online produced according to professional standards from unjustified removal. These safeguards require VLOPs to notify media providers in advance when they intend to remove journalistic content and clearly explain the reasons for their decision. Media providers are also given 24 hours to respond before the removal takes effect. To benefit from these safeguards, media service providers need to declare that they fulfil certain elements, such as being editorially independent and subject to regulatory oversight, through a functionality put in place by VLOPs. The guidelines will help VLOPs in implementing the declaration functionality and guide media service providers in completing and handling their declarations. They also outline procedures for VLOPs to consult regulatory authorities when in doubt, and involve civil society organisations, including fact- checkers, in reviewing declarations. The Commission developed these guidelines through a broad consultation with media service providers, civil society and fact-checking organisations, regulatory authorities and representatives of providers of VLOPs, amongst others. With most provisions in effect since August 2025, the European Media Freedom Act is a key piece of legislation to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU, ensuring that that media – public and private – can operate more easily across borders in the EU internal market, without undue pressure and taking into account the digital transformation of the media space. (For more information: Thomas Regnier - Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat - Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79) EU and India launch talks on association to Europe's multi-billion research programme The European Commission and India have today launched exploratory discussions aimed at India's possible association with Horizon Europe , the EU's €93.5 million flagship programme designed to foster research and innovation across international borders. This initiative follows the recent 16th EU- India Summit held in New Delhi, where both parties reiterated their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation on trade, security, science, innovation, and mobility. If India becomes associated, Indian researchers and institutions would be able to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and lead projects, with India making a financial contribution to the programme. The association will support structured, long-term collaboration between European and Indian research and innovation actors, facilitate joint projects under Horizon Europe, and strengthen cooperation on shared scientific and technological priorities. EU-India cooperation on research and innovation is anchored by the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation , initially signed in 2001 and extended until 2030 in the EU-India Summit last month, highlighting the commitment to mutual advancement in scientific fields. Ekaterina Zaharieva , Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said: “ Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. Exploring India's association to Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition and trust, and building solutions together at global scale.” Currently, Horizon Europe maintains associations with 22 non-EU countries, establishing itself as the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the EU and countries beyond its borders. The list includes Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, while negotiations with Japan concluded successfully in December. (For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117) Commission releases €3.7 million to support 836 dismissed workers in Austria and Belgium The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €1.9 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help 416 workers dismissed after the bankruptcy of the home decoration company ‘Casa' in Belgium and €1.8 million to help 420 workers dismissed by the motorcycle manufacturer ‘KTM' in Austria. Since 2007, the EGF has intervened in 186 cases, allocating €727 million helping more than 181,000 people in 20 Member States. According to the latest EGF activity report , more than eight in ten (81%) dismissed workers have found a new job within 18 months of receiving EGF support. The EGF contributes directly to the creation of a more dynamic and competitive European economy by improving the skills and employability of dismissed people and facilitating the general upskilling within European companies, leading to better quality jobs. More information is available in the press release . (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) EU allocates over €123 million in humanitarian aid for Latin America and Caribbean in 2026 In a year of shrinking global aid, the EU is choosing solidarity, delivering life-saving aid and standing by international humanitarian law. This year, it will provide €123,3 million in humanitarian aid to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Part of this aid will also bolster disaster preparedness and response, given the region's high exposure to natural hazards. Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib , said: “ The European Union stands firmly with the most vulnerable people in Latin America and the Caribbean, where crises in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti continue to deepen. When I visited Colombia last November, I met people forced to flee their homes and communities struggling to survive conflict, displacement, and more frequent natural disasters. I saw how EU humanitarian aid provides food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to people in their darkest moment. This funding will also help save lives by strengthening disaster preparedness in a region exposed to hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. I saw this clearly in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, where preparedness made a real difference for thousands of families. Europe is a reliable and principled humanitarian partner, and we will continue to stand by people in crisis.” Latin America and the Caribbean face complex humanitarian crises driven by factors such as armed conflicts, widespread violence, political instability, displacement, socio-economic crises and environmental hazards. Up to 21 million people are forcibly displaced in the region, with limited access to essential services like healthcare and education. Food insecurity is on the rise, while humanitarian operations are being scaled back globally due to funding cuts. More details in our press release . (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35) Commission clears acquisition of SOCAR Terminal by STEAS and TISS The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of SOCAR Aliağa Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (‘SOCAR Terminal') by SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.Ş. (‘STEAS'), both of Türkiye, and Terminal Investment Switzerland Sàrl (‘TISS'), which is jointly controlled by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Holding S.A., both of Switzerland, and BlackRock, Inc of the US. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of container terminal services in the Aliağa region of İzmir, Türkiye. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure. More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12206 . (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83) STATEMENTS EU reaffirms call for an end to female genital mutilation Ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, on 6 February, High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas , Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu , and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib joined together to reaffirm the EU's strong commitment to eradicate female genital mutilation worldwide: “Female genital mutilation is a grave violation of human rights. It is a tool of control, and oppression inflicted on women and girls. There is no medical, cultural, or ethical justification for it. It must be eradicated. More than 200 million women and girls worldwide are still affected by this practice, including at least 600,000 living in Europe. Ending this practice is essential to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls and to fulfilling the European Union's commitment to gender equality. Just last week at the Foreign Affairs Council , the EU reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating all gender inequalities and forms of sexual and gender-based violence. The EU has already taken important steps towards this aim. The 2024 EU Directive on combating violence against woman and domestic violence requires Members States to criminalise female genital mutilation as a stand-alone crime, strengthen prevention, improve support for survivors, and enhance data collection. Abolishing this form of violence requires sustained and coordinated action at global, national and local levels. This is why the EU is investing in awareness campaigns, community engagement, and partnerships with international organisations to confront the harmful social norms that allow female genital mutilation to persist. Since 2016, cooperation with United Nations agencies, including UNFPA and UNICEF, and particularly through the Spotlight Initiative , has helped protect women and girls at risk and drive change within communities. Social norms can evolve and human rights can be protected. The EU will not relent in its efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation worldwide until every woman and every girl can live a free, safe, and dignified life.” The full statement can be read online. ( For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33 ; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73 ) ANNOUNCEMENTS Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Micallef participate in opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu , and Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef , will represent the European Commission to the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, scheduled to run from 6-22 February 2026, will unite athletes from Europe and globally in a shared celebration of sporting excellence, fair play, and international unity. Through the athletes participating, this event will bring together the 27 EU countries, representing all Europeans. The Olympic Winter Games embody principles that are fundamental to both sport and the European project: respect for human dignity, equality, solidarity, and the pursuit of excellence through peaceful competition. Athletes demonstrate that diversity is a source of strength and that collaboration transcends borders. Through programmes such as Erasmus+ Sport , the EU continues to support grassroots sport development, mobility and training of sport staff, including initiatives that use sport as a tool for integration and combating discrimination. Executive Vice-President Mînzatu : "Sport has a unique power to inspire people, build resilience, and create opportunities for all. The Olympic Winter Games showcase the very best of human potential - the result of dedication, talent, and years of preparation. This is the spirit we want to foster across Europe: investing in people, developing skills, and ensuring everyone has the chance to reach their full potential, whether on the sporting field or in their chosen career. Congratulations to all athletes for reaching this global stage and thank you for inspiring us." Commissioner Micallef said: "The Olympic Winter Games remind us that when we compete with integrity and respect, we all become stronger. The values of fair play, excellence, and solidarity that unite Olympic athletes are the same values that bind Europeans together. As we cheer for our athletes in Milano Cortina, we celebrate not just sporting achievement, but our shared commitment to a more inclusive and united Europe”. More information on how the EU supports sport is available on the EU Sport website . (For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65) Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings Note that these items can be subject to changes. Upcoming events of the European Commission Eurostat press releases Calendar items of the President and Commissioners Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners MEX/26/316
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