News
Daily digest of all European digital development news

The latest in open source: the projects that still keep the free web alive as we dreamed it
The article highlights open-source projects like Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap, emphasizing their commitment to shared information access. These initiatives contrast with today's web, dominated by a few platforms that monetize user data, maintaining the original vision of a free and open internet.

AI disinformation on TikTok: EU Commission examines "Polexit" campaign
The European Commission is investigating AI-generated videos circulating in Poland that promote leaving the EU and target young voters. These videos are potentially violating the Digital Services Act.

Can Europe become the global centre of gravity for DeepTech?
Europe's DeepTech sector faces a crossroads despite generating breakthrough science and a strong talent pipeline. Japan's €33 billion investment signals potential, yet early-stage funding is down 30% since 2021, and the sector seeks true technological sovereignty.

European innovation still resists: the 15 startups that became unicorns in 2025
European tech innovation shows resilience as 15 startups achieved unicorn status in 2025 despite a tougher funding environment. These new unicorns span sectors from health and AI to defense and space, demonstrating continued innovation.

Spanish HealthTech Pragmatech raises €650k to roll out its CE-marked AI antibiotic prescribing software
Spanish HealthTech startup Pragmatech secured €650k to accelerate the deployment of its AI-powered antibiotic prescribing software, iAST®. The CE-marked software aims to reduce prescribing errors and enhance clinical decision-making.

Belgian-American startup Aidoptation secures €20 million to scale autonomous driving from racetrack to mobility and defence
Belgian-American startup Aidoptation secured €20 million to scale its AI-driven autonomous systems for various sectors. The funding includes investments from SFPIM, John Cockerill Defence, Ethias Ventures, and Belfius Bank & Insurance to expand its EdgeDrive technology.

Octopus Energy to spin out AI utility platform Kraken at €7.3B valuation after €850M funding round
Octopus Energy's AI utility platform, Kraken, spins out after securing €850M in funding, valuing the business at €7. 3B....

New overview of the Cyber Security Act
Dutch government organizations must prepare for the Cyberbeveiligingswet (Cbw) with new tools and resources now available on DigitaleOverheid. nl....

French chipmaker NanoXplore raises €20 million to expand into defence and strengthen Europe’s electronic sovereignty
NanoXplore, a French chipmaker, secures €20 million to expand into the defense sector and boost Europe’s electronic sovereignty. The funding will allow the company to develop security-focused products and pursue strategic acquisitions, building on its ITAR-free approach.

Fintech’s next chapter: The trends expected to shape 2026
European fintech anticipates significant shifts in 2026, driven by embedded finance and interoperability. Experts predict next-generation API-based banking and industry collaboration for stablecoins to foster greater adoption.

The Artists Collective launches as an artist-led investment platform
The Artists Collective launches as the UK's first artist-led investment platform, backing early-stage tech companies. Focused on AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, the platform invests £50,000 to £300,000 in Seed and Series A rounds across Europe.

The start of ALIA, the Spanish AI model, has been erratic and disappointing. Now we know why
Spanish AI model ALIA's launch was disappointing due to being rushed, according to developers. ALIA, a foundational AI model coordinated by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, faced infrastructure limitations.

Ukrainian AI app studio Reface secures €15.2 million in non-dilutive user acquisition funding
Kyiv-based AI app studio Reface secured €15. 2 million in non-dilutive user acquisition funding from PvX Partners to fuel growth....

Meta is required to accept competitors of its AI, the “Meta AI”, in WhatsApp
Italian regulators are forcing Meta to open WhatsApp's AI functionality, "Meta AI," to competitors. This move follows complaints about Meta's exclusive control over AI features within the popular messaging app.

In 1995, an engineer spent ten days writing code: 30 years later it is the glue that keeps the internet alive
JavaScript, born from a rapid ten-day coding sprint by engineer Brendan Eich, celebrates its 30th anniversary as a cornerstone of the internet. Initially a prototype for the Netscape browser, JavaScript's influence now underpins a significant portion of the visible web, despite early technical inconsistencies.

Webshops are not allowed to force customers to create an account in many cases
Webshops across the EU can no longer force customers to create accounts before buying products, according to new recommendations. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) clarified that mandatory accounts for online purchases often violate privacy rules, addressing long-standing consumer complaints.

I-care becomes Belgium’s newest unicorn after closing €20 million fundraising and refinancing round
Belgium's I-care, a predictive maintenance company, achieved unicorn status after securing €20 million in funding. The AI-driven platform offers predictive maintenance services in over 55 countries, with the company aiming for an IPO.

Spanish SaaS platform Stowlog raises €1M to drive the digitisation of safety and security in port logistics
Spanish SaaS platform Stowlog secures €1M to digitize safety and security in port logistics, aiming for international expansion. The platform, already deployed in 15+ countries, uses real-time data and 3D visualization to improve operational efficiency for ports.

Spain faces another of the most important digital shutdowns in its history: that of 2G and 3G connectivity
Spain begins shutting down 2G and 3G mobile networks to free up radio spectrum for 5G. The government opened a public consultation, with a goal to disconnect the older networks by January 2026.

New Cybersecurity Law: The 10 minimum security measures
Portugal's new cybersecurity law, Decree-Law No. 125/2025, goes into effect, implementing the NIS 2 directive....
