Connected - May 2025
Written By
Of Counsel
Netherlands
I am a Principal Regulatory Counsel in our Regulatory & Public Affairs practice in the Netherlands and Brussels. I have a focus on tech and comms and digital markets regulation, drawing on in-depth business knowledge and extensive experience in TMT and public administration.
The May 2025 edition has been edited by Feyo Sickinghe with contributions from the Regulatory and Public Affairs team.
The month of May marked the launch of a series of pivotal regulatory proposals in Brussels pursuant to the new mission of the European Commission.
This feature explores key regulatory updates and industry insights, including with a focus on the new Single Market Strategy, the AI Continent Plan and the Apply AI strategy, Dutch investment plans military laser communications satellites, Consumer Agenda 2025-2030, the AI Regulatory Horizon Tracker, the Global AI governance report, Ofcom’s plan for regulation of gigabit connectivity and the upcoming Cyber Guide.
SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BY CLICKING HERE
The new Single Market Strategy: towards 2030
On May 21st, the European Commission presented its new ‘Single Market Strategy’. It aims to create a more simple, seamless and strong European market. It outlines ambitious actions to reduce trade barriers, support SMEs, and accelerate digitalisation. The strategy is driven by the current geopolitical landscape and trade-related uncertainties and aims to make the European market more stable and resilient. It is built on nine pillars, detailed across five chapters, each with specific legislative proposals and timelines.
For more information, please contact Puck van den Bosch and Feyo Sickinghe.
AI Continent Plan: Many ambitions, lots of uncertainties
On 9 April, the European Commission launched an AI Continent Action Plan. The plan aims to contribute to making the European Union a global leader in Artificial Intelligence. It entails sustained investment in infrastructure, including computing power and networks, creating a large single market with one single set of safety rules across the EU, including the recently adopted AI Act, ensuring AI is trustworthy and aligned with EU values. The Commission aims to provide a solid foundation in world-class computational power with data spaces accessible to all.
For more information, please contact Feyo Sickinghe.
Commission Opens Public Consultation on Apply AI Strategy to Shape Europe’s Digital Future
On 9 April 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation on its forthcoming Apply AI Strategy. Scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2025, the strategy is designed to accelerate the integration of AI technologies across strategic sectors and reinforce the EU’s technological sovereignty.
For more information, please contact Paolo Sasdelli.
Dutch investment plans military laser communications satellites
The Dutch government has recently declared its intention to significantly increase the number of military communications satellites it has operational in Earth’s orbit. This step not only highlights the growing importance of space as a strategic domain but also underscores the interconnected nature of defence and aerospace. While existing radio-based satellite systems remain widely used across many military networks worldwide, the Dutch government has hinted that future satellites may employ laser communication technology as an alternative.
For more information, please contact Raoul Grifoni Waterman.
Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 and action plan on consumers in the Single Market
Eurocommissioner Michael McGrath has been tasked to present a Consumer Agenda 2025-2030. The Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 will build on the New Consumer Agenda of 2020, setting out renewed priorities and actions to address current and upcoming challenges in consumer policy. The Agenda will include an action plan on consumers in the Single Market, to ensure consumers do not face unfair discrimination, keep benefits when crossing borders and are protected when buying goods or services. By strengthening consumer protection, supporting consumers’ well-being and promoting a level playing field for businesses, the Agenda will help achieve key EU objectives: promoting a fair transition to a green and digital economy and boosting competitiveness and economic growth with social cohesion, the Commission said. On 19 May, the Commission published a call for evidence for public consultation.
For more information, please contact Feyo Sickinghe.
AI Regulatory Horizon Tracker
Our global AI experts have recently developed an AI Horizon Tracker as a one-stop source, compiling insights from 22 jurisdictions to provide a clear snapshot of the evolving AI regulatory landscape in each region. This invaluable tool covers a wide spectrum, from existing laws and proposed legislation to guidelines and enforcement actions.
Access our AI Regulatory Tracker
Global AI governance report
The global advancement of AI across various industries underscores the pressing need for solid governance structures. This article provides an overview of our full report, which analyses the emerging governance models in the EU, UK, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, offering frontline insights on how forward-thinking organisations can craft robust strategies for responsible AI implementation.
Access the full report
UK - Ofcom sets outs plan for regulation of gigabit connectivity
Ofcom has published a set of proposals to update and refine the regulatory framework governing UK fixed telecoms markets that underpin broadband, mobile and business connections for the period 2026 - 2031. The consultation entitled - Promoting competition and investment in fibre networks: Telecoms Access Review 2026-2031 Consultation: Promoting competition and investment in fibre networks: Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 - Ofcom - is open until 12 June 2025 (TAR). The TAR aims to promote investment in gigabit-capable networks.
READ THE FULL STORY
