Public-Sector Transparency After the AI Act Became Applicable

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The AI Act has been generally applicable in the European Union since 2 August 2026. This is an important regulatory milestone, but it does not mean that every major transparency obligation is already operational. For public authorities, one fact is especially important: the…

Accepted but Not Fully Adequate: What Does Compliance Mean in the X Action Plan?

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Executive summary On 16 July 2026, the European Commission announced that it had accepted X’s action plan concerning transparency obligations and researchers’ access to data under the Digital Services Act. The plan follows a Commission decision finding X in breach of the DSA and imposing a fine in December 2025. X committed to improve its … Read more

When a Consultation Is Called a Reality Check: Does the Label Remove the Transparency Duty?

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Executive summary The European Commission uses a consultation format known as a reality check to obtain information from stakeholders it has selected about practical obstacles in implementing EU rules. The Commission considers these meetings exempt from standard transparency requirements for meetings with interest representatives because they are intended to gather factual information, data or expertise. … Read more

When the Complaints Mechanism Is Also Under Review: The Poklečani Wind Farm Case

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Executive summary On 2 July 2026, the European Ombudsman opened an inquiry into how the European Investment Bank handled a complaint concerning the EIB-financed Poklečani Wind Farm in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The complainant alleged that the project was not compliant with EU environmental law, the Aarhus Convention and the EIB’s Environmental and Social Standards. The … Read more

Strategic Project, Restricted Document: How the Jadar File Became Partly Public

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Executive summary A requester sought public access to a letter by which the Serbian authorities supported the designation of the Jadar lithium-mining project as a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. The European Commission initially refused access, arguing that disclosure could undermine international relations with Serbia. After the requester submitted a confirmatory … Read more

AI Will Simplify Bureaucracy — But What Evidence Would Prove It?

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Executive summary Three new pilot projects supporting the use of generative AI in public administrations began on 1 July 2026: FLOODS & DROUGHTS, EUNOMIA.AI and EuropAI. The European Commission states that the projects will pilot trustworthy European generative-AI solutions addressing concrete needs of public authorities and citizens. Participating administrations are expected to procure, test and … Read more

From Duty to Encouragement: What Does the AI Omnibus Mean for AI Literacy?

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Executive summary The European Commission announced that the AI Omnibus entered into force on 27 July 2026. The reform is presented as a targeted simplification of the EU AI rulebook that preserves safeguards while easing compliance, extending some timelines and supporting innovation. One of the most important changes for democratic resilience is the treatment of … Read more