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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 13794
Contents Publication in full By article 10 / 34
SECTORAL POLICIES / Digital

WhatsApp named 26th ‘Very Large Online Platform’ by DSA

Since the beginning of January, it was only a matter of time before the WhatsApp messaging platform would be designated as a ‘Very Large Online Platform’ (VLOP) by the European Commission (see EUROPE B13783A12). This is now a done deal. On Monday 26 January, the institution announced that WhatsApp had joined X, AliExpress, Amazon, Booking.com and Shein as a ‘Very Large Online Platform’. 

The platform is named for its ‘open channels’ service, known as WhatsApp Channels, which...

Contents

SECTORAL POLICIES
AGRICULTURE: European ministers recognise strategic importance of bioeconomy for EU’s agri-food sector
AGRICULTURE: European Commission announces measure to alleviate EU sugar producers
FOOD SAFETY: EU launches task force to strengthen import controls
FOOD SAFETY: European ministers react with mixed emotions to simplification package
FISHERIES: European Commission launches a review of Western Mediterranean Multiannual Plan
REGIONS/AGRICULTURE: POSEI programme has not met all needs and constraints of outermost regions, according to EU’s Court of Auditors
REGIONS: France, Spain and Portugal launch initiative for EU’s outermost regions
DIGITAL: EU Council puts brakes on Commission’s ambitions to simplify AI Act
DIGITAL: European Commission launches an investigation into Grok, accused of generating sexual deepfakes of women and children
DIGITAL: WhatsApp named 26th ‘Very Large Online Platform’ by DSA
MIGRATION: Parliament’s committee still sceptical about Commission’s readmission procedures for migrants
MIGRATION: Commission coordinated “administrative mission” to Afghanistan to discuss possible returns of migrants with Taliban regime
ENERGY: North Sea energy ministers commit to producing 100 GW of offshore wind energy through joint projects
ENERGY: European ministers approve regulation for definitive end to Russian gas imports
EXTERNAL ACTION
UNITED STATES: MEPs in no hurry to break deadlock in negotiations on last summer’s agreement on trade
FOREIGN AFFAIRS: EU Council /European Parliament agreement on strengthening external action guarantee
JORDAN: EU and Amman strengthen their economic relations
SECURITY - DEFENCE - SPACE
NATO: Europe cannot defend itself without United States, warns Mark Rutte
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS - SOCIETAL ISSUES
RULE OF LAW: annual dialogue on Rule of Law – at conclusion of first round, Marilena Raouna reports a “fluid, substantial and constructive exchange”
DEMOCRACY: ‘European Democracy Shield’ – European ministers asked to optimise progress under Cyprus Presidency
SOCIAL AFFAIRS - EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT: e-declaration on posting of workers – no solutions yet for restarting negotiations between European Parliament and EU Council
ECONOMY - FINANCE - BUSINESS
ECONOMY/DEFENCE: ‘SAFE’ instrument – European Commission approves eight additional national plans
CUSTOMS: EU co-legislators will soon attempt to agree on selection process for seat of future European authority EUCA 
TAXATION: ‘Fiscalis’ cooperation programme is a success, according to European Commission
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
JUSTICE: Council of Europe and EU agree on financing of an advance team to establish Special Tribunal for Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
COUNCIL OF EUROPE: Austrian Socialist Petra Bayr elected President of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
NEWS BRIEFS
HOME AFFAIRS: European Commission asks Europeans to draw up new action plan against online fraud
CHINA: European Commission targets imports of Chinese candles with definitive anti-dumping duty
CITIZENSHIP: European citizens’ initiative ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ is valid
CLIMATE: Commission consults on certification methodologies for carbon farming activities
ECONOMY: G7 finance ministers meeting on 27 January by videoconference
MONTENEGRO: Podgorica hopes to finalise EU accession negotiations by end of 2026
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: launch of an internal group to reflect on development of parliamentary action
FISHERIES: Ireland calls on EU to take urgent action to save Northeast Atlantic mackerel stock