Europe archive - The Capitol Forum

EU Tech Sovereignty Bill Faces Pushback Over Cybersecurity Data and Source Code Requirements

The EU’s proposal to challenge U.S. tech dominance is causing upset among companies beyond the American giants it intends to...

Oct 30, 2026 Read Now >

Downstream4EU: Manufacturing Industries Form Coalition to Push for Changes to EU Trade and Industrial Policy

Frustrated that EU trade and industrial policies are protecting steelmakers and chemical producers at the expense of their customers, at least 10 European trade associations representing downstream industries are banding together to launch a new coalition, according to high-level sources...

Oct 29, 2026 Read Now >

European Antitrust Agenda: UK Gives EU Cover in Approach to Big Tech; Booking Probe Highlights DSA Enforcement Priorities

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • UK lends EU political cover amid backlash against Brussels tech regulation • DSA probe into Booking.com targets scams •...

Oct 27, 2026 Read Now >

AkzoNobel/Axalta: Bidding Process for Wood Coatings Business That FTC Wants Divested Reaches Mid-Stage

AkzoNobel (AKZA) and Axalta (AXTA) are taking another step toward realizing their proposed merger as bidders engage in a second round of offers for Axalta’s wood coatings business—which the FTC has required the companies to divest to address the commission’s concerns about the $25...

Oct 23, 2026 Read Now >

UPDATE: MMG/Anglo American: MMG Offers Remedies to European Commission

MMG has offered the European Commission a remedy proposal to try and assuage the regulator’s concerns over its proposed acquisition of Anglo American’s Brazilian ferronickel assets, the companies confirmed to The Capitol...

Oct 23, 2026 Read Now >

U.S. Tells EU Digital Trade Investigation Will Begin ‘Soon,’ Document Says

Senior U.S. officials have told their European counterparts that a long-expected Section 301 investigation into digital policies in the EU and other jurisdictions would “soon” be initiated, according to an internal EU document seen by The Capitol...

Oct 23, 2026 Read Now >

Boston Scientific/Penumbra: EC Gears Up for Deal Probe with Inquiries to Industry Players

The European Commission, in preparation of launching a formal review of Boston Scientific’s (BSX) proposed acquisition of Penumbra (PEN), has begun setting up interviews and requesting information from industry players about the $14.5 billion deal’s impact, sources familiar with the...

Oct 22, 2026 Read Now >

EU Considers Replacing Hybrid Vehicle Import Cap with Tariff Quota, Sources Say

The European Commission is considering replacing a planned cap on hybrid vehicle imports from China and other countries with a tariff-rate quota system, according to people familiar with the matter. Under the proposal, imports exceeding the quota could face a punitive tariff of up to...

Oct 22, 2026 Read Now >

Nexfibre/Substantial: Telecom Deal Poses Test to CMA’s Efforts to Shape Market

Nexfibre’s proposed acquisition of Substantial, the parent of UK fiber network operator Netomnia, is testing how prepared the Competition and Markets Authority is to intervene in...

Oct 22, 2026 Read Now >

Tech/Media/Telecom Weekly: State AGs and Nexstar Aren’t Talking; Court Ruling Spells Trouble for Price-Fixing Defendants; Payments Network Could Evade Russia Sanctions; Trinidad and Tobago Chases Tech Revenue; Candidates Detail Opposition to Data Centers

The TMT Weekly is a forward-looking tipsheet that covers tech policy across The Capitol Forum’s U.S. policy coverage universe, from Congress to the courts. If you have any feedback, feel free to email editorial@thecapitolforum.com. In this edition: • Media Outlook: The chances of a...

Oct 20, 2026 Read Now >

EU Hybrid Quota Plan Raises Concerns Among Key Trading Partners, Sources Say

The European Commission has told the EU’s main trading partners that it plans to calculate country- specific quotas for hybrid car exports using 2025 import levels as a baseline, according to people familiar with the...

Oct 20, 2026 Read Now >

European Antitrust Agenda: EU Commission Advances Nvidia Probe; Ministers Take on China Trade Strategy

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • European Commission takes new steps in informal Nvidia antitrust investigation • EU trade ministers discuss the...

Oct 20, 2026 Read Now >

AkzoNobel/Axalta: Parties Set to Avoid Powder Coatings Remedies, Sources Say

AkzoNobel (AKZA) and Axalta (AXTA) are likely to avoid remedies relating to the powder coatings market as Brussels is satisfied with the level of competition in that sector, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to The Capitol...

Oct 19, 2026 Read Now >

AkzoNobel/Axalta: Parties Set to Avoid Powder Coatings Remedies, Sources Say

AkzoNobel (AKZA) and Axalta (AXTA) are likely to avoid remedies relating to the powder coatings market as Brussels is satisfied with the level of competition in that sector, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to The Capitol...

Oct 19, 2026 Read Now >

EU Commission Should ‘Be Bold,’ Take Legal Risks, Former General Court Head Says

The former head of the EU’s second-highest court urged the European Commission to take greater legal risks in enforcing competition rules, arguing Brussels is too focused on past judgments rather than adapting its approach to the changing...

Oct 19, 2026 Read Now >

Regulator Sent Telegram 13 Rounds of Questions This Year, Dialing up Pressure Under EU Digital Rules

Messaging app Telegram is facing growing pressure under the EU’s digital platform rules over regulators’ concerns about its user number disclosures, its responses to alerts about harmful content and other...

Oct 16, 2026 Read Now >

EU-China FSR Talks Offer Path to De-Escalation but Raise Fears of Pressure on Enforcement

While the EU’s decision to open formal discussions with China on the application of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation is seen as a potential step towards de-escalation, some experts caution that Beijing could use the talks to secure a softer approach to its...

Oct 15, 2026 Read Now >

MMG/Anglo American: EU Verdict Expected as Companies Prepare Legal Challenge

Chinese-backed miner MMG will likely find out the fate of its proposed acquisition of Anglo American’s Brazilian ferronickel assets this week, sources close to the matter told The Capitol...

Oct 14, 2026 Read Now >

Tech/Media/Telecom Weekly: Congress Continues to Roll Out AI Regulatory Proposals; Sports Network Bankruptcies Leave NBA, NHL Fans in the Lurch; New San Diego Consumer Unit Targets AppLovin and Roblox; CFIUS Catches BitFuFu Unfiled Bitcoin Mine Deal; Germany blocks Cosco’s Zippel purchase; EU Hybrid Deal Could Boost Chinese EV Imports

The TMT Weekly is a forward-looking tipsheet that covers tech policy across The Capitol Forum’s U.S. policy coverage universe, from Congress to the courts. If you have any feedback, feel free to email...

Oct 13, 2026 Read Now >

EU To Move Ahead with Chemical Safeguard Probe After Breakthrough in Talks with Beijing, Sources Say

The EU’s delayed investigation into global imports of certain chemicals used in packaging is expected to begin shortly, following a request from five member states, according to people familiar with the...

Oct 13, 2026 Read Now >

UPM/Sappi: EU Doubts Behavioral Remedies Can Resolve Competition Concerns, Sources Say

The European Commission is skeptical that behavioral remedies will be enough to address competition concerns over paper giants UPM-Kymmene and Sappi’s proposed €1.42 billion ($1.59 billion) joint venture, even as the companies discuss concessions in an effort to secure approval,...

Oct 13, 2026 Read Now >

European Antitrust Agenda: EU’s Shift Away from U.S. Tech Giants Sparks Backlash Among European Rivals; Aramark Weighs UK Supreme Court Appeal

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • EU’s effort to swap U.S. tech for European rivals is proving to be a bumpy ride • Scottish court squashes Aramark...

Oct 13, 2026 Read Now >

Schneider/PTC: French Giant’s Bid Would Put U.S. Army’s Weapons Data System Under Foreign Owner with Deep China Ties

Schneider Electric’s (EPA: SU) $22.6 billion bid for Boston’s PTC (PTC) would put software that holds the U.S. Army’s weapons data under a French company with extensive operations in...

Oct 12, 2026 Read Now >

New WhatsApp Fees Raise Fresh Concerns Amid EU’s Fast-Paced Meta Probe

Companies providing customer service chatbots are warning new WhatsApp charges could raise their costs and make it harder to compete with Meta’s (META) own artificial intelligence...

Oct 09, 2026 Read Now >

Deutsche Boerse/Allfunds: EU Expected to Unconditionally Clear Deal in Phase 1, Sources Say

The European Commission is expected to unconditionally clear Deutsche Boerse’s (DBKG) acquisition of Allfunds (ALLFUN) in phase 1, a deal that could provide an early test of the commission’s evolving approach to merger control, sources with knowledge of the probe told The Capitol...

Oct 07, 2026 Read Now >

Tech/Media/Telecom Weekly: FCC’s Carr Pushes Back on Raskin Charge Regarding Paramount; AI Agents Like Muse Raise Privacy, Safety Concerns; Third Circuit Gives Hope for AI Copyright Claims; Senators Seek to Hold AI Firms Liable for Hacking Incidents; Belgium Panel Kills Chinese Copter Deal; Brazil Presidential Race Hold Major Trade Implications

The TMT Weekly is a forward-looking tipsheet that covers tech policy across The Capitol Forum’s U.S. policy coverage universe, from Congress to the courts. If you have any feedback, feel free to email editorial@thecapitolforum.com. In this edition: • Media Outlook: FCC Chair Brendan...

Oct 06, 2026 Read Now >

EU Plans E-Commerce Surveillance Fee to Further Curb Imports from Chinese Platforms

The proposal to introduce a flat EU market surveillance fee on imported e-commerce goods, primarily targeting shipments from China, is included in a draft of the European Product Act seen by The Capitol Forum. The measure is intended to level the playing field by closing regulatory...

Oct 06, 2026 Read Now >

The European Antitrust Agenda: EU Likely to Clear JD/Ceconomy, Dodging China Escalation; Regulators Step Up Pressure on Video Games

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • JD.com/Ceconomy set for clearance, avoiding escalation with China • Video game companies probed ahead of legislative...

Oct 06, 2026 Read Now >

Apollo/easyJet: Ownership Structure Likely to Face Scrutiny from Regulators, Sources Say

U.S. asset management firm Apollo (NYSE: APO)’s £5.7 billion ($7.5 billion) acquisition of major UK airline easyJet (LSE: EZY) is expected to prompt questions about the level of foreign ownership and control of the company during foreign investment reviews, sources told The Capitol...

Oct 05, 2026 Read Now >

Merger Monthly: In Aftermath of Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery Settlement, AGs Still Pose Regulatory Risk in Other Cases; Question Is Which States Will Lead

Skeptics of states’ attempts to flex their antitrust muscle might think that the Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery settlement was to be expected from under-funded and under- staffed enforcers subject to political...

Oct 02, 2026 Read Now >

German FDI Screening Law: Economy Ministry Suggests New Thresholds for Reviews

The German economy ministry sent a draft for the country’s first bespoke foreign direct investment (FDI) screening law into inter-ministerial consultation on Tuesday (September 29), proposing new thresholds to trigger reviews, according to sources who were briefed on the matter by the...

Oct 02, 2026 Read Now >

Companies Push Bolder Mergers as Brussels Holds Antitrust Line

Mergers that may have once been seen as too difficult to get past the EU antitrust authority are increasingly leaving the boardroom, including UPM’s joint venture with Sappi and Kone’s acquisition of TK Elevator. Some corporations are betting that the European Commission’s increased...

Oct 01, 2026 Read Now >

EU Considers Cutting Tariffs for China to Avert Retaliation Over Steel Curbs

The European Union is preparing to cut import tariffs on a range of industrial products in an effort to head off potential retaliatory measures from China over the bloc’s steel import restrictions that came into force on July 1, according to an internal document seen by The Capitol...

Sep 30, 2026 Read Now >

Tech/Media/Telecom Weekly: Rep. Jayapal Plans to Introduce New Framework That Would Treat AI Companies Like Banks; SHEIN Looks to Diversify Customer Base After Losing Trade Exemptions; Wildcat Says It has Edge in Fight Over Austal USA; Newsom Vetoes Privacy Bill; Alabama Meta Deal Could Become New Model; Amazon, FTC Prep for Economics Hearing

The TMT Weekly is a forward-looking tipsheet that covers tech policy across The Capitol Forum’s U.S. policy coverage universe, from Congress to the courts. If you have any feedback, feel free to email editorial@thecapitolforum.com. In this edition: • Congress Outlook: Representative...

Sep 29, 2026 Read Now >

The European Antitrust Agenda: UK Proposes Google Show Some AI Assistants Among Search Alternatives; Top DMA Enforcer Wants More Help from National Authorities

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • UK wants Google to offer search alternatives, potentially including AI chatbots • Senior EU official urges more national...

Sep 29, 2026 Read Now >

EU, Booking at Odds on Key Issue Under Bloc’s Digital Rules Despite Progress, Sources Say

The European Commission and Booking.com are deadlocked over a key issue for hoteliers under the EU’s digital markets rules even as the enforcer is set to announce that the hotel reservation giant has largely fallen in line after extensive discussions, two sources familiar with the...

Sep 25, 2026 Read Now >

Plans for EU Chemical Safeguard Investigations Remain on Ice, Sources Say

Despite worsening market conditions across Europe, the European Commission has yet to open two new safeguard investigations into chemical products intended to shield the region’s chemical industry from surging imports, according to people familiar with the...

Sep 24, 2026 Read Now >

Member States Consider Proposal to Give EU More Powers Under Tech Sovereignty Bill

As EU member states start discussions on the bloc’s main proposal to reduce its reliance on U.S. tech, Danish officials want to give the European Commission more powers to designate the cloud providers deemed secure enough to handle sensitive government data, according to a document...

Sep 24, 2026 Read Now >

Apple To Face Fresh EU Penalty Under Digital Markets Rules, Sources Say

The European Commission is preparing to hit Apple (AAPL) with its second fine under the EU’s digital markets rules as soon as this year, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The company breached the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by imposing restrictive contract...

Sep 23, 2026 Read Now >

AkzoNobel/Axalta: EC Questions Rivals on Innovation Risks, Document Shows

The European Commission this week sent requests for information to third parties relating to AkzoNobel’s (AKZA) proposed merger with coatings company Axalta (AXTA), according to two sources familiar with the...

Sep 23, 2026 Read Now >

EU Big Tech Case Tracker

This is The Capitol Forum’s Big Tech tracker, where we follow investigations and other proceedings targeting technology giants like Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOG), Meta (META) and more across the EU. Here, we monitor and bring you up to date on cases launched under the bloc’s Digital...

Sep 22, 2026 Read Now >

The European Antitrust Agenda: Remedies Off the Table in MMG/Anglo American; Digital Markets Rules Event to Highlight Latest Clashes Over Rollout

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • Remedies no longer an option in MMG/Anglo American nickel deal • Our conference on the EU’s digital markets rules sets...

Sep 22, 2026 Read Now >

Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery: Negotiators in Settlement Discussions Reach Advanced Stage Navigating Between Contrasting Economic Goals

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) and the California attorney general’s discussions to settle a suit to block the studio’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) acquisition have reached an advanced stage as negotiators work within the parameters of the parties’ contrasting economic goals,...

Sep 19, 2026 Read Now >

Co-op/Southern Co-op: Firms to Offer Divestments to Clear CMA Review, Sources Say

The Co-operative Group is preparing to offer store divestments to secure UK antitrust approval for its acquisition of Southern Co-op following an initial review, after abandoning potential plans to argue the target was a failing firm, according to sources close to the...

Sep 18, 2026 Read Now >

EU Moves Closer to Restricting Electrical Steel Imports After Member State Vote, Sources Say

The European Commission on Thursday cleared the final procedural hurdle to implement provisional safeguard measures on global imports of grain-oriented electrical steel and related downstream products, including laminations and cores sold separately or as part of transformers. The...

Sep 17, 2026 Read Now >

EU to Open Steel Dumping Probe to Stop Downstream Import Shift, Sources Say

The European Commission is set to open an anti-dumping investigation into imports of steel ropes and cables from India, Thailand and Turkey, according to people familiar with the matter. The move forms part of the EU’s wider effort to protect domestic producers from unfairly priced...

Sep 17, 2026 Read Now >

AkzoNobel/Axalta: Companies Mull Sale as They Prepare to File Merger to European Commission, Sources Say

AkzoNobel (AKZA) is prepared to sell part of its business in a bid to clinch phase 1 clearance as it prepares to formally notify the European Commission of its $25 billion merger with Axalta (AXTA) within days, according to people familiar with the...

Sep 17, 2026 Read Now >

EU Broadens Planned Electrical Steel Import Curbs to Include Transformers, Sources Say

The European Commission plans to press ahead with global import restrictions, known as safeguard measures, on grain-oriented electrical steel, including material contained in imported transformers, according to people familiar with the...

Sep 15, 2026 Read Now >

Kimberly-Clark/Kenvue: Brussels Expected to Approve Tie-Up with Remedies in Phase 1, Sources Say

The European Commission is expected to approve Kimberly-Clark’s (KMB) $48.7 billion proposed acquisition of Kenvue, with remedies, having so far found that the overlap between the companies’ portfolios does not raise significant competition concerns, according to sources familiar with...

Sep 15, 2026 Read Now >

The European Antitrust Agenda: Commission Ignores Chinese Blocking Orders; Brussels Hosts Digital Rulebook Meeting on Browsers

Welcome to The European Antitrust Agenda, our weekly overview of European tech and competition law developments. Key stories we’re following this week include: • Commission ignores Chinese blocking orders • Officials are bringing browsers together to tackle a longtime digital rule...

Sep 15, 2026 Read Now >

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