European Union political trends show declining consensus and new regulations

Recent reports highlight shifting political and regulatory trends across Europe. In the European Union, data from the Council of the European Union indicates a decline in consensus-based decision-making. Between July 2025 and July 2026, only 53.6 percent of the 97 public votes were adopted by unanimity, a notable decrease from previous years where consensus rates often reached 90 percent.

Regulatory developments are also impacting social media and digital rights. Court rulings have influenced youth protection on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, while France's Constitutional Council overturned a ban on social media use for children under 15. Additionally, new EU regulations regarding AI transparency, the right to repair, and packaging waste have come into effect.

Other regional developments include Italy's efforts to increase criminal responsibility for minors and calls in the United Kingdom for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.