The EU has banned AI virtual assistants from online meetings, reflecting privacy and security concerns. This move, amidst AI Act implementation, highlights caution in sensitive settings, despite EU's AI leadership.

Serbia's political turmoil reaches a critical point with the resignation of PM Ana Brnabić amid student-led protests over corruption and infrastructure failures. President Vučić's appointment of political newcomer Dr. Đuro Macut as the new prime minister faces parliamentary approval challenges, impacting Serbia's EU accession prospects.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the country's cessation of Russian oil imports, marking a historic end to 60 years of energy dependence. The shift aligns with EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy, leveraging the Transalpine Pipeline for new oil supplies.

Ukraine seeks to partner with the EU to develop a strategic long-range air defense system targeting threats over 100 kilometers away, amid ongoing tensions with Russia. EU member states recognize the need to bolster air defense capabilities, but competitive national programs may complicate cooperation.

Robert Habeck, former Vice Chancellor, plans to resign from the Bundestag by summer after the Greens' poor election results. Mayra Tjorven Vriesema is expected to succeed him, as internal party discussions hint at leadership shifts.

Major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have urged the EU for support amid looming U.S. tariffs on drug imports. They claim these tariffs could shift operations to the U.S., Europe's biggest pharma market.

SolaX Power will debut its ORI Series for large-scale solar applications at EES/INTERSOLAR Europe 2025 in Munich, highlighting efficiency and cybersecurity advancements. Attendees can expect insights on EU regulations, industry trends, and a special focus on sustainability in sports with a Borussia Dortmund football legend.

The European Commission has adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Energy Labelling Regulation for 2025-2030, aiming to boost product sustainability in the EU. Despite criticisms over exclusions, the plan emphasizes lifecycle ecodesign and introduces a 'Digital Product Passport' to inform consumers about environmental impacts.

Ukrainian officials, led by Andrii Yermak, are in Paris for high-stakes talks with European and American counterparts amid tensions over Trump's renewed ties with Russia. Organized by President Macron, these meetings aim to strengthen European coordination on Ukraine's crisis as the U.S. shifts its foreign policy focus.

The EU has revised its Deforestation Regulation to cut compliance costs by 30%, allowing annual reporting and the reuse of due diligence statements. Full enforcement deadlines are extended to 2025 for large firms and mid-2026 for SMEs, aiming to ease business burdens while maintaining deforestation prevention goals.

Serbia has granted citizenship to 204 Russians linked to President Putin, giving them EU visa-free access. This move, amidst international sanctions, raises concerns over Serbia's EU relations.

The European Data Protection Board has released new guidelines on blockchain, emphasizing compliance with data protection principles amid its decentralized nature. The guidelines highlight the need for thorough evaluations to ensure personal data rights are respected, and suggest alternative technologies if blockchain poses significant privacy risks.

OpenAI urges Europe to streamline AI regulations to prevent stifling innovation and investment, emphasizing alignment with democratic values. Their 'EU Economic Blueprint' suggests major initiatives, including a $1 billion AI fund and comprehensive training to bolster Europe's AI capabilities.

The EU-US Data Privacy Framework, crucial for transatlantic data flows, faces potential instability under President Trump's administration due to differing privacy safeguards. German officials and privacy groups are calling for legally secure alternatives as businesses might need to switch to complex contractual clauses without clarity on the agreement's future.

The EU missed the deadline for implementing crucial cybersecurity regulations in 18 sectors, with only 7 members fully compliant. Germany and France's delays, hindered by political issues, pose significant cybersecurity risks.

Germany's construction sector struggles as building permits for new apartments dropped 2.3% in February 2025, signaling ongoing industry challenges. Industry leaders call for tax cuts and reduced bureaucracy to stimulate housing development.

In a shocking mafia-style execution in Rome, Zhang Dayong and partner Gong Xiaoqing were killed, highlighting violent turf wars among Chinese criminal factions. Zhang, a key figure set to testify in organized crime trials, was linked to illegal activities, and authorities suspect revenge motives tied to the ongoing 'Coat Hanger Wars'.

Objections to Germany's February 2025 Bundestag election have dropped to 800, a significant decrease from the 2021 election's 2,198 objections. Many complaints focus on voting hurdles for Germans abroad, with the deadline for filing objections nearing on April 23, 2025.

Maria Zakharova has lambasted the EU for meddling in Serbia's politics, especially over President Vučić's planned attendance at Moscow's Victory Parade. Despite EU threats to Serbia's EU membership, Vučić and Slovakia's PM Robert Fico will attend, while Hungary's PM Viktor Orbán will abstain.