TL;DR
- The Council of the EU will discuss key subjects in upcoming meetings, including child protection legislation.
- Two candidates are vying for the Eurogroup presidency, with elections set for December 11.
- The UK has released a Software Security Code of Practice aimed at enhancing software resilience.
EU Governance and Policy Developments
Facts
- [1] The Council of the EU is set to discuss key subjects in upcoming meetings.
- [2] Two candidates have been put forward for the Eurogroup presidency, with elections scheduled for December 11.
- [28] The Council has approved a draft law aimed at preventing child sexual abuse online.
Analysis
- Leadership changes in the Eurogroup may influence EU economic strategies and fiscal policies.
- The draft law on child protection reflects an increasing focus on safeguarding vulnerable populations in the digital era.
Implications
- Policymakers should prepare for shifts in economic policy direction following the Eurogroup elections.
- Enhanced legislation on child protection could serve as a model for other jurisdictions addressing online safety.
AI and Technology Policy
Facts
- [4] The UK has released a Software Security Code of Practice to enhance software resilience.
- [6] Research indicates public R&D significantly influences private capital investment.
- [29] The EU's Coordinated Plan on AI has been implemented since 2018, showing progress in AI development.
Analysis
- The Software Security Code of Practice aims to improve the security landscape for software, potentially reducing vulnerabilities.
- Public investment in R&D appears crucial for stimulating private sector growth, suggesting a symbiotic relationship.
Implications
- Stakeholders should assess the effectiveness of the Software Security Code and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Increased public investment in R&D could be prioritized to foster innovation and economic growth.
International Relations and Trade
Facts
- [11] The EU and South Korea have reinforced their digital cooperation.
- [12] A joint statement was issued following the EU-Chile Trade Council meeting.
- [9] The Council has agreed on a mandate to implement tariff reductions in EU-US trade relations.
Analysis
- Strengthened EU-Korea cooperation may set benchmarks for global technology standards and practices.
- Tariff negotiations with the US could reshape trade dynamics, impacting various sectors across Europe.
Implications
- Policymakers should monitor the outcomes of EU-Korea digital cooperation to leverage best practices.
- Adjustments to trade strategies may be needed to navigate the evolving landscape of EU-US relations.
Public Health and Social Policy
Facts
- [3] President António Costa's schedule includes discussions on health and social policy.
- [18] The European Commission has launched a Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition.
- [20] New legislation aims to enhance transparency and combat fraud in payment services.
Analysis
- The Skills Guarantee initiative reflects a proactive approach to workforce development amid changing economic conditions.
- Legislation enhancing transparency in payment services may improve public trust and reduce fraud.
Implications
- Policymakers should evaluate the Skills Guarantee's effectiveness in addressing workforce challenges and adapt as necessary.
- Increased transparency measures in payment services could be expanded to other sectors to enhance public confidence.
Next Week Watchlist
- Monitor the Eurogroup presidency elections on December 11.
- Review outcomes from the upcoming Council discussions on child protection legislation.
Sources
- [1] Council of the EU — Forward look: 1 – 14 December 2025 (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/28/forward-look-2025/)
- [2] Council of the EU — Eurogroup presidency: two ministers put forward their candidacies (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/28/eurogroup-presidency-two-ministers-put-forward-their-candidacies/)
- [4] Office for Artificial Intelligence — Guidance: Software Security Code of Practice (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/software-security-code-of-practice)
- [6] Office for Artificial Intelligence — Independent report: To what extent does public R&D leverage private capital investment? (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/to-what-extent-does-public-rd-leverage-private-capital-investment)
- [11] European Commission - Press Corner — EU and the Republic of Korea reinforce tech and digital cooperation at the third Digital Partnership Council (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2837)
- [18] European Commission - Press Corner — Commission launches Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition learning new skills for strategic sectors (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2828)
- [20] Council of the EU — Payment services: Council and Parliament agree to step up the fight against fraud and increase transparency (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/27/payment-services-council-and-parliament-agree-to-step-up-the-fight-against-fraud-and-increase-transparency/)
- [28] Council of the EU — Child sexual abuse: Council reaches position on law protecting children from online abuse (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/26/child-sexual-abuse-council-reaches-position-on-law-protecting-children-from-online-abuse/)
- [29] OECD AI Policy Observatory — Tracking Europe’s progress on AI: Insights from the implementation of the EU Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (https://wp.oecd.ai/tracking-europes-progress-on-ai-insights-from-the-implementation-of-the-eu-coordinated-plan-on-artificial-intelligence/)