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EU Plans Social Media and AI Chatbot Restrictions for Under-15s

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The European Union is preparing a sweeping proposal to restrict children under 15 from accessing social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games. The plan is part of a proposed EU Kids Act aimed at protecting children from online abuse, exploitation and other digital risks.

Under the proposal, users aged 15 and above could create their own accounts, while children aged 13 and 14 could access social media and video platforms through parent-controlled introductory accounts with limited contacts and strict time limits. Children aged 3 to 12 would have access only to child-friendly services under full parental control, while under-3s would have no access.

The proposed rules would also require technology companies to verify users’ ages, reduce addictive designs and harmful content feeds, and provide stronger parental controls and tools to report harmful content. Companies would pay a supervisory fee to support enforcement. The proposal will still need to be debated and agreed upon by EU countries and the European Parliament before it can become law.

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Proposed EU Rules Would Curb Airbnb, Short-Term Rental Homes

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The European Union is considering new rules to restrict Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms in areas facing housing shortages. The proposal aims to address rising housing costs in popular tourist destinations, where residents have protested the growing number of holiday rentals.

The draft Affordable Housing Act would allow authorities to identify areas under housing pressure based on factors such as housing affordability, population growth and the balance between housing supply and demand. Instead of outright bans, governments could introduce limits on short-term rentals or protections for existing operators.

European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera is expected to present the proposal on September 9. It will then need to be debated by EU member states and the European Parliament before becoming law. The plan follows new EU rules requiring short-term rental platforms to share listing data with authorities, while industry groups have warned against disproportionate restrictions.

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EU Sends Patrol Boats to English Channel Amid Migration Crisis

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The European Union’s border agency Frontex will deploy patrol boats to the English Channel and North Sea to support French search-and-rescue operations amid increased migrant crossings. Two Spanish vessels will operate from September to October, followed by a Lithuanian boat through January.

The Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, where migrants attempting to reach Britain face dangerous currents and overloaded boats operated by smugglers. French coastguards have carried out multiple rescues, including saving 157 people from a migrant boat that caught fire in August.

Migration remains a major political issue in both France and Britain, with governments under pressure to curb dangerous crossings. Britain has agreed to provide France up to £660 million under a three-year border security deal, while the two countries are also testing a “one in, one out” arrangement involving undocumented migrants and asylum seekers.

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Denmark Plans First Migrant Transfers to EU-External Hub in 2027

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Denmark expects to begin sending migrants without legal residency to a return hub outside the European Union by the end of 2027, Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bodskov said on Friday. Denmark is working with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece to develop the bloc’s first partnership arrangement of this kind with a non-EU country.

The five countries are preparing concrete plans for the proposed return-centre system, although Denmark has not disclosed which country or countries could host the facilities. Bodskov said negotiations had moved closer to establishing the arrangement, which is intended to facilitate the return of migrants who do not have legal grounds to remain in the EU.

The European Parliament approved changes to EU migration rules in June aimed at speeding up deportations and allowing member states to establish detention centres abroad. Critics have warned that such arrangements could weaken protections for asylum seekers, while the Council of Europe has raised concerns over potential human rights violations, including ill-treatment and arbitrary detention.

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EU’s Kallas Calls Leipzig Attack State-Sponsored Terrorism

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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany as bearing the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, Kallas said Europe must coordinate its response as Russia’s attacks and alleged hybrid activities continue to escalate.

Germany has said Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack last month. EU foreign ministers arriving for the talks called for stronger pressure on Moscow, with discussions focusing on additional sanctions targeting Russia’s military industry and individuals. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the EU would work on imposing further sanctions in the coming weeks.

The meeting also highlighted concerns over Ukraine’s air defence needs. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged European countries to provide additional interceptors to help protect Ukrainian airspace. Meanwhile, several EU nations renewed calls to reconsider the use of frozen Russian assets, with around €210 billion immobilised across the bloc following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Meloni Nears Italy’s Stability Record, But 2027 Election Could Disrupt It

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to lead Italy’s longest-lasting government since World War Two, surpassing a record previously held by Silvio Berlusconi. Her government has benefited from political stability and improved investor confidence, particularly through tighter control of Italy’s public finances.

However, analysts warn that the stability may not last beyond the 2027 parliamentary elections. While Meloni’s government has strengthened employment and reduced irregular migration, critics say it has made limited progress on deeper reforms to public administration, healthcare and education. A failed judicial reform referendum and strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have also weakened her political standing.

The rise of a new far-right party led by former general Roberto Vannacci is adding further uncertainty. Recent polling suggests Meloni’s conservative coalition could struggle to reach the 42% threshold linked to proposed electoral reforms, while Vannacci’s support has risen to around 8%. Analysts say Italy could once again face a fragmented parliament and unstable coalition politics after the election.

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Iceland Votes on EU Membership Talks

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Icelanders voted on Saturday in a closely contested referendum on whether to reopen negotiations to join the European Union. The vote has divided the country, with polls showing supporters and opponents of renewed talks almost evenly matched. Key issues include the cost of living, high interest rates, national sovereignty and control over fishing waters.

Supporters argue that closer ties with the EU could strengthen Iceland’s economy, potentially ease borrowing costs and provide greater security amid geopolitical tensions. Opponents say EU membership could weaken Iceland’s independence and threaten its control over its valuable fishing industry.

A “yes” vote would only restart negotiations with Brussels, not guarantee EU membership. Iceland would hold a second referendum on any eventual accession agreement. Polling stations close at 2200 GMT, with results expected in the early hours of Sunday. Reuters reports that negotiations could begin by the end of 2026 and take 18 to 24 months.

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Portugal’s Migration Curbs Worsen Construction Labour Shortage

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Portugal’s stricter immigration policies are creating labour shortages in the construction sector, raising concerns over the country’s ability to tackle its growing housing crisis. Industry leaders say migrants make up a significant portion of the workforce, and tighter rules have reduced the number of workers available for major housing and infrastructure projects.

The country faces a shortage of around 300,000 homes and aims to build 150,000 affordable houses by 2030 through an EU-backed programme. However, construction groups estimate the sector still needs tens of thousands of additional workers, warning that labour shortages could delay projects, including Lisbon’s new airport and affordable housing developments.

Many migrant workers already living in Portugal also face uncertainty over renewing their residence permits under the revised regulations. While the government says the measures are intended to control immigration and improve living conditions, industry experts argue that foreign workers remain essential to supporting Portugal’s economy and addressing its housing shortage.

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EU Pledges Fresh Support to Armenia Amid Rising Russian Economic Pressure

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The European Union has announced an additional €18 million in economic assistance for Armenia and eased export rules for Armenian goods as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus nation. The support comes as Armenia faces increasing trade restrictions from Russia, which have affected key exports including fresh produce, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The latest funding forms part of a broader €52 million assistance package unveiled earlier this year.

During a visit to Yerevan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the EU would stand by Armenia despite external economic pressure. She said the bloc would remove tariffs on nearly 80% of Armenian exports, giving businesses easier access to the European Union’s market of around 450 million consumers. Von der Leyen emphasised that the EU would continue supporting partners facing economic challenges.

The announcement reflects Armenia’s growing efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union while maintaining its position in the Russian-led economic union. Russia remains Armenia’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 35% of its foreign trade, while the EU represents around 11%. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus through investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

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Europe’s Refugee Population Stabilises After Years of Rapid Growth

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Europe’s refugee and asylum-seeker population remained largely unchanged in 2025, marking the end of more than a decade of steady growth, according to a new migration report. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers across the European Union and Britain stood at 9.59 million, nearly identical to the 9.58 million recorded in 2024.

The report highlighted a continued decline in asylum applications, which dropped to 770,000 in 2025 from 1.01 million in 2024 and 1.1 million in 2023. Researchers said the slowdown signals the end of the rapid increases seen in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While Germany and Italy recorded declines in refugee and asylum-seeker populations, France, Spain and Britain saw increases. The report also noted a sharp fall in asylum applications from Syrians after the collapse of the Assad regime, while applications from Venezuelans rose significantly. Ukrainians continue to make up nearly half of all refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and Britain.

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