Commission preliminarily finds the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook in breach of the Digital Services Act
Today, the European Commission preliminarily found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act for the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook. The investigation focuses on features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the platforms’ highly personalised recommender systems.
Risk assessment
The Commission’s investigation indicates that Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.
For example, Meta did not consider certain design features of Instagram and Facebook, such as highly personalised recommendations, autoplay and infinite scroll, which constantly show users new content. These features fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into ‘autopilot mode’, contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.
Moreover, Meta disregarded available information about the time minors spend on Instagram or Facebook at night and how the optimisation of its different formats – such as reels and stories – could lead to excessive or compulsive use of the services.
Risk mitigation measures
Evidence also shows that Meta’s current mitigation measures failed to effectively tackle the risks stemming from its addictive design.
For example, Instagram’s and Facebook’s time management tools, including those activated by default for teens, can be easily dismissed and do not lead to a meaningful reduction and control of the usage of the service.
Moreover, the Commission considers that Meta’s parental controls are only effective if parents and guardians possess adequate technical expertise, as well as devote effort and time to understand them effectively. This undermines the efficiency of such measures in addressing the inherent risks posed by Instagram and Facebook’s addictive design.
Meta’s awareness-raising measures, such as tips and links to mental health resources available via a separate ‘safety centre’ page, do not seem to sufficiently mitigate the risk of addictive design on Facebook and Instagram.
At this stage of the investigation, the Commission considers that Meta needs to implement design changes to both Instagram and Facebook. For instance, by disabling key addictive features such as ‘autoplay’ and ‘infinite scroll’ by default, implementing effective ‘screen time breaks’, and adapting its recommender system to make it less engagement-oriented.
These preliminary findings do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.
Next steps
Meta now has the possibility to exercise its right to defence. It may examine the documents in the Commission’s investigation files and reply in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted.
If the Commission’s views are ultimately confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, which can trigger a fine proportionate to the nature, gravity, recurrence and duration of the infringement, capped at 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider.
Background
The Commission’s preliminary findings today are part of its formal proceedings to investigate Meta’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, launched on 16 May 2024.
The Commission’s preliminary views are based on an in-depth investigation that included an analysis of Meta’s risk assessments reports, internal data and documents and Meta’s responses to multiple requests for information, a review of the extensive scientific research on this topic, and interviews with experts in multiple fields, including behavioural addiction.
This investigation also covers concerns about the age assurance measures Meta has put in place for minors below 13 years old, for which preliminary findings were adopted on 29 April 2026. Separately, the Commission continues its investigation into so-called ‘rabbit hole’ effects caused by the design of Facebook’s and Instagram’s recommender systems, which may exploit minors’ vulnerabilities and inexperience.
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Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms. The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, further strengthening protection of EU funds
Today, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), following Hungary’s request to join it in May 2026. With today’s decision, Hungary will now be the 25th Member State to join the EPPO, reflecting its renewed commitment to restoring the rule of law in the country. The EPPO will now have a permanent presence in Hungary to protect EU funds from financial crime.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is in charge of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes involving the EU budget. It significantly contributes to a stronger protection of the Union budget.
President von der Leyen said: ‘Today brings good news for Hungary. This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.’
The decision today has important implications, as the EPPO Regulation will cease to be an act under enhanced cooperation and become fully part of the EU acquis. This means that any new Members joining the European Union in the future will be required to join the EPPO.
Next steps
The Commission’s decision will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. Hungarian authorities will now need to propose 3 candidates for the post of European Prosecutor in Hungary. The Council of the EU will appoint one of them, after considering the opinion of an independent panel. The panel is composed of one former member each of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Court of Auditors, and Eurojust, as well as other high-level justice professionals. Hungary will also need to propose candidates for the posts of European Delegated Prosecutors to the European Chief Prosecutor.
The Hungarian authorities will have to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the EPPO can be fully operational in Hungary. This includes providing sufficient material and human resources.
The EPPO will be able to start its work twenty days after the Council appoints the European Prosecutor in Hungary. It will be competent to investigate and prosecute crimes involving EU funds committed in Hungary after 1 June 2021, retroactively, when EPPO started its operations.
Background
EPPO was established in 2021 by, and operates under, the EPPO Regulation. By the end of December 2025, it was dealing with more than 3,600 cases.
Denmark and Ireland have opted out of the area of freedom, security and justice under the Treaties. On this basis, they do not participate in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The EPPO was established through the mechanism of so-called enhanced cooperation, which allows a group of at least nine Member States to integrate more closely in a particular EU policy. When all Member States of the EU participate in a law established under this mechanism, that law becomes part of the ‘acquis communautaire’ and is no longer considered to operate under the category of enhanced cooperation. With 25 Member States now part of the EPPO, and the two remaining Member States subject to an opt-out, the EPPO Regulation becomes henceforth part of the EU acquis.
For more information
EPPO Regulation
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (the EPPO) – European Commission
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Today brings good news for Hungary. This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Hungary joining the EPPO is yet another fundamental step for rule of law in Hungary and for the fight against misuse of taxpayer’s money. From now on, Hungarians know there will be an independent, European, public prosecutor ensuring that the EU’s funding goes where it is meant to go. The rule of law and the fight against corruption in Hungary have just gotten stronger.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Today is a historic day both for Hungary and the EU. Protecting our budget is not optional. Every euro safeguarded is a euro that goes back to citizens. The EPPO is a central actor in the fight against fraud in the EU, as shown by every investigation it launches, every successful prosecution it secures and every asset frozen.
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)
50 years after the Seveso chemical disaster, the EU continues to work on preventing industrial incidents
On 10 July 1976, a major industrial accident in Seveso, Italy led to thousands of people and vast areas being exposed to a cloud of toxic dioxin – a persistent environmental pollutant. Following this incident, the EU took decisive steps to prevent and control such accidents by adopting the Seveso Directive, which entered into force in 1982. This groundbreaking law led to a significant reduction of risk of major accidents in the EU, reducing harm to people, property and nature, and inspired similar laws and safety standards worldwide.
Today, the Seveso Directive remains the backbone of the EU’s industrial safety framework, providing stricter risk assessments, safer land-use planning, stronger safety management and better emergency preparedness. It covers around 11,000 industrial sites across the EU, such as chemical and petrochemical plants as well as oil refineries. Concretely, companies must prevent major accidents and limit their consequences, while authorities ensure oversight and public safety.
Despite these positive trends, risks persist. Recent disasters – such as the 2019 Lubrizol fire in Rouen (France) and the 2021 chemical factories explosion in Leverkusen (Germany) – highlight the need for continuous action, constant oversight and robust safety measures. The Commission will continue working with Member States, industry, emergency services, and civil society to ensure that the Seveso framework remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving industrial, environmental and security context. The EU’s broader Preparedness Strategy reinforces this approach, promoting comprehensive risk assessment across sectors to improve crisis prevention, preparedness and response.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘Fifty years after Seveso, the lesson remains clear: prevention saves lives. The Seveso Directive has helped make Europe one of the safest places in the world for industrial activity, but we cannot be complacent. As climate risks intensify and new technologies offer transformation of our societies and economies, we must continue to be consciously alert and anticipate emerging threats, stay agile and strengthen our preparedness. Protecting people, communities and the environment goes hand in hand with building a resilient and competitive European industry.’
You can find more information online
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
New survey finds Europeans believe vocational education and training leads to good jobs and pay
In an era of rapidly changing work environments, Europeans view vocational education and training (VET) as a fast track to attractive and well-remunerated job opportunities. A special Eurobarometer survey reveals that 85% of Europeans agree that VET provides technical skills relevant for jobs. Most respondents also believe VET leads to actual job opportunities (82%) which are well-paid (66%). Over half say the top reason people choose VET is to start working and earning money sooner.
VET combines practical and theoretical learning to equip learners with hands-on skills and qualifications needed on the labour market. The survey shows that 73% of Europeans see VET as offering high-quality learning, delivered by competent teachers (79%) and supported by modern infrastructure (78%). Opportunities for progression to higher education (67%) and programmes for studying abroad (64%) further enhance VET’s appeal.
Europeans choose VET influenced by factors such as job opportunities and potential earnings (53%), family advice (35%) and advice from teachers or counsellors (28%).
However, according to the respondents, VET cannot compensate for general skills that are typically acquired in school. Half of respondents believe VET programmes fall short in teaching basic skills, such as literacy and digital literacy, or transversal skills like communication and critical thinking. Gender stereotypes also constrain the potential of VET, as 71% agree women are often encouraged to choose general education over technical subjects.
These findings underscore the relevance of the 2020 Council Recommendation on VET. A new report published today highlights VET’s role in tackling labour shortages and skills gaps, as well as measures implemented by Member States. It shows the EU has met two key targets: 66% of recent VET graduates have gained work-based learning (exceeding the 60% goal), while 80.2% of VET graduates are employed (close to the 82% target). To fully realise the potential of VET and meet growing demand for VET-trained workers, the report calls for expanding teacher training, deepening business collaboration, increasing learning mobility for VET learners, and addressing skills gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as basic competencies.
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu welcomes the findings: “This survey confirms what we have long known: VET works. Europeans see it as a route to well-paid jobs and future-proof careers – and the data backs them up, with strong employment outcomes for VET graduates. Our upcoming VET Strategy will build on these foundations to drive Europe’s competitiveness and open doors for learners across the continent.”
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)
Commission’s annual report on taxation shows a shift in the EU tax mix
The Commission’s annual report on taxation, published today, offers a detailed overview of taxation policies in all Member States, assesses recent trends in EU tax systems and identifies ways to enhance compliance.
The report shows that over the past decade the tax mix has gradually shifted away from consumption-based taxes towards capital-based taxes, while the share of labour taxes has increased among countries pursuing fiscal consolidation. Looking into specific tax types, corporate income tax and personal income tax have gained weight in the tax mix, while environmental and property taxes have receded. Furthermore, Member States have reported a total of 399 tax reforms for 2025.
The report shows that the EU’s overall tax-to-GDP ratio increased to 39.4% in 2024, a slight increase from the decade-low dip of 2023, with 22 Member States recording an increase in the ratio. It also shows that labour taxes – including social contributions – remain the main source of revenue, accounting for 51.5% of total tax receipts, followed by consumption taxes (26.8%) and capital taxes (21.6%).
The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) supported Member States’ efforts to modernise tax administrations and improve compliance, with 22 % of TSI projects focusing on improving tax compliance and 21 % on digitalisation of revenue administration, the report found.
At a time when Europe needs to channel resources into new strategic priorities, such as competitiveness and security, the report highlights that tax policy remains central to the EU economic and political agenda. Well-designed tax systems can support employment, guide investment, foster innovation, and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable society.
The full report and all its details is available online.
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Bridget Moylan – Tel.: +32 229-82844)
Joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide
Tomorrow, Europe pays its tribute to the memory of over 8,300 Bosniak men and boys who were killed in the Srebrenica genocide 31 years ago. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of the genocide. We share the grief of those who endure the anguish of uncertainty about their missing loved ones, and we continue to stand by the survivors whose lives were upended in July 1995.
The Srebrenica genocide is among the darkest episodes in Europe’s history.
It reminds us of our obligation to build peaceful societies, protect human lives and dignity, and to defend the fundamental values upon which the European Union is founded.
We honour the victims by upholding historical truth, preserving their memory, and ensuring that the lessons of Srebrenica endure for future generations. This was the intention of the United Nations General Assembly when two years ago it declared the 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
There is no place in Europe for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of convicted war criminals.
We call on leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the region to choose responsibility over division, dialogue over confrontation, and to support the process of finding and identifying the remaining victims.
Healing the wounds of the past requires courage, sincere engagement, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation.
The European Union remains firmly committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future as a sovereign, united, multiethnic and democratic country.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16)
The EU co-host the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group
On Monday 13 July, the EU and the Palestinian Authority will co-chair the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) in Brussels. Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica will co-chair, alongside Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa.
Building on the successful first meeting in November 2025, as well as on the meetings of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the second meeting of the PDG will showcase the reforms the Palestinian Authority has undertaken since last November and its need for further financial support. As such, the PDG also aims to contribute to coordinating international efforts and support the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and coordinate international efforts for early recovery in Gaza.
Ahead of the meeting, the Commission and partners will showcase their support to the Palestinian Authority through a signing ceremony for agreements under PEGASE, the EU’s mechanism for financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
The European Commission will also launch a ‘Team Gaza Initiative’ that will bring together EU Member States and like-minded partners to coordinate and leverage ongoing and planned early recovery funding for Gaza. The event will be transmitted on EBS around 16:00 CEST.
After the meeting, a press conference with Commissioner Šuica and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mustafa will take place around 18:30. It will be transmitted live on EBS.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in UNESCO meeting on fostering education at global level
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, will deliver a speech at the UNESCO hosted Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 High-Level Steering Committee Leaders Meeting, taking place in xx. Her intervention will focus on education system resilience across three pillars, including the teaching profession, foundational and lifelong learning and inclusive digital transformation. The meetings also aim to give political direction to the post-2030 global education agenda process.
The Executive Vice-President’s presence reaffirms the European Union commitment to UN SDG which aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Moreover, she will speak at the Transforming Education Summit (TES) +4 which is designed to take stock of achievements four years after the Summit.
In the four years since the TES, the EU has continued to invest at scale. Through international partnerships and Global Gateway, the EU is investing around pound 6 billion in education between 2021 and 2027. 44% of EU education funding is committed to fragile contexts, helping to safeguard learning where it is most under threat.
The Executive Vice-President will also have bilateral engagements with UNESCO Director-General, Dr Khaled El-Enany and the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the African Union, Gaspard Banyankimbona.
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu said: ‘Education and training are a strategic investment in resilience, in skills, and in the social cohesion that holds our societies together. Governments that protect education budgets are not being generous. They are being rational and forward-looking. This also means investing in people, our educators and teachers.’