European Union: Consumer Protection

Belgian online traders face a new legal requirement to implement a mandatory 'withdraw here' button on their webshops by 19 June 2026. This EU directive fundamentally changes how consumers exercise...

On 5 March 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) published a Discussion Paper (DP12) (PDF 1.4 MB) examining the use of DLT and tokenisation within Irish and European financial services, with a particular focus on investment funds, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds.

The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 20 EU Member States for failing to transpose the EmpCo Directive by the March 27, 2026 deadline. This directive aims to combat greenwashing by requiring substantiation of environmental claims and third-party certification for sustainability labels, with full implementation expected by September 27, 2026.

The Central Bank of Ireland has released a comprehensive thematic assessment examining compliance functions within MiFID investment firms, revealing both strengths and critical...

The Central Bank of Ireland has published findings from its thematic assessment of compliance functions within MiFID investment firms, revealing both strengths and critical gaps in how firms manage regulatory obligations. The assessment examined firms' adherence to compliance requirements, monitoring processes, and board reporting practices, identifying specific areas where improvements are urgently needed. Firms are now expected to conduct self-assessments and address identified deficiencies promptly.

This monthly legal update examines critical developments across pension scheme compliance, artificial intelligence governance, ESG fund marketing regulations, environmental law precedents, payment services legislation, and defined benefit pension surplus management. Each article addresses pressing regulatory challenges and strategic considerations for legal practitioners and corporate decision-makers navigating Ireland's evolving legal landscape.

Our Administrative Law Briefing Special Edition analyses the consolidated legal framework for University Legal Entities in Greece, following a series of judgments by the Council of State, including:

Just in time for the 2026 exam season, Ganado In Session returns with another revision-focused podcast – this time tailored for second-year law students tackling CVL 2008, Law of Property.

Portugal has introduced a groundbreaking legal framework governing foreign higher education institutions operating within its borders. What obligations must these institutions now fulfill to legally provide educational services, and how will Portuguese authorities ensure student protection while maintaining academic standards?

This monthly legal update from William Fry curates essential articles spanning technology transformation, foreign investment screening, product liability rulings, AI regulation developments, pension scheme complaints, building energy performance changes, insurance recovery frameworks, MiFID compliance expectations, and environmental assessment requirements.

The European Union's Product Liability Directive, unchanged for four decades, is undergoing a comprehensive transformation to address modern challenges including digital products, AI systems, and global supply chains.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 introduced by the European Union to create a safer, more transparent and responsible digital environment. The legislation regulates the activities of online platforms, marketplaces, social networks and digital intermediaries operating in the European market.