EU Legislation Roundup: April 2026
11. toukokuuta 2026
Operating in Europe means facing a constantly shifting legal landscape. Our EU Roundup highlights key developments that matter most. We cut through the noise to give you a clear, practical view of what is coming and what it means for your business.
Staying informed on EU-level law helps you manage risk, maintain compliance and remain competitive in a fast-moving regulatory environment.
This edition, brought to you from our EU Knowledge Hub, highlights:
- Simplified EU chemicals rules
- New freight emissions accounting rules
- European Globalisation Adjustment Fund revision
- Digital Markets Act first review
- 20th Package of sanctions against Russia
- Updates on technology licensing competition rules
- New 24-hour electricity switching rules
- Deal on steel safeguards
- Revised energy market rules
EU Parliament backs Chemicals Omnibus simplification
On April 29, 2026, the Parliament adopted in plenary its position on the Chemicals Omnibus. The proposal aims to simplify EU chemicals rules while seeking to maintain high protection for health and the environment. Its goal is to reduce regulatory burdens, with a strong focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Parliament’s position endorses streamlined labelling and information rules under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation. For cosmetics, Parliament supports faster and more predictable derogation and notification processes, with clarified rules on alternatives. On fertilising products, they favour digital-by-default procedures and greater flexibility to update rules for new materials.
Why this matters: The position signals a shift toward simplified yet protective EU chemicals regulation, aiming to reduce administrative complexity while maintaining safety standards. This matters to chemical manufacturers, cosmetics businesses, fertiliser producers and SMEs operating under EU chemicals rules. Streamlined labelling, faster derogations and digital-by-default procedures may affect product timelines and cost structures. Businesses should monitor the upcoming trilogue negotiations and review labelling systems, notification processes and material portfolios.
EU Parliament votes new rules on freight emissions
On April 28, 2026, the Parliament adopted at second reading the new freight emissions accounting rules. They formally endorse the trilogue agreement reached with the Council in late 2025. The proposal aims to improve transparency, enable informed consumer choices, and prevent greenwashing in transport services. It forms part of the EU’s Greening of Freight Package supporting more sustainable logistics.
Parliament supports a voluntary methodology based on ISO 14083 for emissions calculation.
It applies to EU and international transport chains using a well-to-wheel approach and prioritising primary data. SMEs are exempt from verification obligations to reduce administrative burden and compliance costs.
Why this matters: The rules apply to transport service providers operating routes starting or ending in the EU. They cover both freight and passenger operations, with SMEs exempt from verification requirements. Disclosure of emissions data is voluntary. However, businesses that choose to publish such data, or are required to do so under other EU rules, must use the common EU methodology. Over time, comparable emissions data may strengthen demand for low-carbon transport options, indirectly affecting energy and fuel suppliers. Businesses in manufacturing, retail, and agriculture may need to adjust supply-chain logistics.
EU Parliament votes on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) revision
On April 28, 2026, the Parliament adopted the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund revision, endorsing the February 2026 trilogue agreement with the Council. The proposal expands the EGF to support workers affected by restructuring and economic transitions. Its goal is earlier, more effective assistance and stronger labour-market resilience.
Parliament supports assistance before layoffs, enabling earlier access to training and job-placement measures. It allows businesses to request support via national authorities managing applications and co-financing activities. Overall, Parliament backs a more flexible and responsive fund addressing evolving workforce challenges.
Why this matters: The proposal allows businesses to request EGF support via national authorities for workers facing displacement. It introduces proactive assistance before layoffs, expanding the fund’s scope and improving responsiveness. Businesses must comply with requirements on personalised labour measures and support beneficiary monitoring activities. This may affect restructuring planning, administrative processes, and coordination with national authorities.
EU Commission publishes first review of the Digital Markets Act
On April 28, 2026, the Commission published its first review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The review concludes that the DMA remains fit for purpose. It has opened opportunities for businesses and developers, while giving users more control over their data and devices. The Commission flags continued enforcement as a priority, particularly in cloud services and artificial intelligence. It also identifies areas for improvement, including procedural simplification and enhanced transparency.
The next review is due in 2029.
Why this matters: The review confirms ongoing enforcement focus on gatekeepers and signals attention to AI-driven services. This matters to designated gatekeepers, business users dependent on core platform services, and providers of cloud and AI services. Businesses should track active proceedings and prepare for further regulatory dialogue on data sharing, interoperability, and AI-related obligations.
EU: 20th Package of sanctions against Russia adopted
On April 23, 2026, the EU adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting energy, finance and trade. It further targets Russia’s oil revenues by listing 46 additional shadow fleet vessels, bringing the total to 632.
Measures curb LNG exports by banning tanker and icebreaker maintenance and tightening safeguards on EU tanker sales. They add 20 Russian banks to sanctions and impose a sweeping ban on Russian crypto service providers. Trade restrictions include export bans over €365 million, import bans above €530 million, and activation of the anti-circumvention tool.
The package also sets the legal basis for a future ban on maritime services transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products.
Why this matters: Sanctions exposure is expanding and becoming harder to ring fence. Maritime, energy, finance, and crypto links now carry higher risk, including through indirect routes. Dealings that were lawful at signing may become illegal during performance. Vessel use, payment flows, and trade finance face closer scrutiny. Businesses should re screen counterparties, ships, insurers, and banks across the transaction lifecycle. Contracts should be reviewed for suspension and exit rights. Management must tighten escalation and controls. The board should confirm that rapid exit strategies and loss containment plans are ready to deploy.
EU Commission updates technology licensing competition rules
On April 16, 2026, the Commission adopted revised EU competition rules for technology licensing agreements. The rules replace the 2014 Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation and related guidance.
The update clarifies how competition rules apply to data licensing. It confirms that licensing protected databases for production is generally competition friendly. This approach follows established technology transfer principles. New guidance also addresses joint licence negotiations. It explains when businesses may negotiate licence terms collectively, and how to distinguish legitimate cooperation from illegal buyer cartels. It outlines practical safeguards to help businesses manage competition risks. Overall, the revised framework aims to simplify the existing rules. It also seeks to increase legal certainty for businesses involved in technology and data licensing. The new rules apply from May 1, 2026.
Why this matters: Businesses should review licensing agreements against revised rules before application, focusing on data licensing and standards-related technologies. They should reassess competition law risks arising from joint negotiation groups and confirm technology pools still meet safe harbour conditions. This matters to businesses relying on collaborative licensing structures, pooled technologies, or cross-industry standards for innovation and market access.
EU adopts 24 hour electricity supplier switching rules
On April 14, 2026, the Commission adopted new rules to accelerate electricity supplier switching across the EU. The measures implement the Electricity Directive and apply to all retail electricity markets. Under the new framework, the full technical switching process must be completed within 24 hours by the end of 2026. This covers all back office and administrative steps once a consumer chooses a new supplier.
The rules are intended to make switching faster, simpler and more reliable, strengthening consumer choice and competition in retail electricity markets. By reducing delays and friction, the Commission aims to empower consumers. The goal is a more dynamic and efficient EU energy market.
Why this matters: The revised rules impose a tighter, standardised switching framework, requiring faster processes and dependable data exchange among suppliers and network operators. This matters to electricity suppliers and retailers, distribution and transmission system operators, and network providers. Businesses should assess IT systems, operational workflows, and coordination arrangements to ensure 24 hour switching capability and effective data sharing.
EU Council and Parliament strike a deal on steel safeguards
On April 13, 2026, the Council and Parliament agreed on new rules to shield the steel sector from global overcapacity. The regulation responds to rising imports and trade diversion linked to excess global steel production. It replaces current safeguard measures that expire at the end of June 2026, avoiding a regulatory gap.
The new framework tightens tariff‑rate quotas and raises duties on imports exceeding those limits. Overall import quotas will be cut by about 47 percent, with out‑of‑quota imports facing a 50 percent duty. Limited carry‑over of unused quotas will be allowed initially to support supply chain stability. The regulation also introduces a ‘melt and pour’ requirement to reduce circumvention and improve traceability. Once formally adopted, the rules will apply from July 1, 2026.
Why this matters: The new rules aim to give EU steel producers and downstream users certainty as current safeguards expire in late June 2026. A new ‘melt and pour’ requirement signals a tougher stance on circumvention and improved supply chain traceability. Limited quota carry over is meant to ease short term supply pressures during the transition period. This matters to producers, importers, manufacturers, and logistics operators. They must review sourcing, pricing, contracts, and compliance before July 1, 2026.
EU updates REMIT energy market rules
On April 9, 2026, the EU adopted new rules under the revised REMIT framework. The aim is to strengthen transparency and integrity in wholesale energy markets. The measures set clearer and fairer procedures for the authorisation and supervision of inside information platforms and registered reporting mechanisms. The EU also updated and replaced data reporting rules. The aim is to improve the quality and consistency of market data collection and monitoring.
The changes are intended to enhance ACER’s ability to detect and prevent market manipulation. They also streamline certain reporting obligations for market participants. The new rules entered into force on April 29, 2026. A transition period will follow, giving businesses time to adapt to the updated requirements.
Why this matters: The updated framework is designed to give energy market participants clearer and more predictable expectations around reporting and regulatory oversight. This is particularly relevant for businesses that rely on stable compliance arrangements and delegated reporting across multiple markets. Businesses should consider whether existing compliance frameworks, reporting service providers, and internal controls remain fit for purpose under the new regime.
Co-authored by Uendi Barreti and Paola Paccani (Knowledge)
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