European Union faces new digital regulations and budget negotiations

The European Union is entering a period of significant legislative and budgetary activity. In Brussels, a wave of new regulations is emerging, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the Artificial Intelligence Act. These frameworks aim to tighten oversight on e-commerce and large digital platforms such as Amazon, AliExpress, and Shein, while addressing cybersecurity and technological sovereignty.

Simultaneously, negotiations have begun regarding the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028-2034 period. The European Commission is proposing a budget of approximately 2 trillion euros, which would involve increased national contributions. A key point of contention is the potential restructuring of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which may be merged into a broader regional development fund, potentially reducing subsidies for the French agricultural sector.

Financial projections indicate varying impacts on member states. Germany is expected to remain the largest net contributor, while France faces a projected annual net loss of 18.1 billion euros. In contrast, Poland is projected to see a net gain of 9.3 billion euros. These budgetary shifts occur alongside domestic political developments in France, including the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.