On February 4, the European Commission concluded its public consultation on the Better Regulation framework, seeking feedback on how the initiative could be improved. Among the 286 respondents, representing industry, consumer groups, public sector organizations, and transparency advocates, the majority urged the Commission to maintain robust impact assessments and consultation tools rather than weakening them.

The feedback comes as the EU seeks to speed up decision-making while maintaining transparency and stakeholder engagement. Responses ranged from detailed proposals to ensure focused stakeholder involvement to criticisms of the Commission’s Omnibus approach to legislation.

In its response, Consumer Choice Center Europe (CCCE) suggested that the Commission take stronger action to prevent the overuse of exemptions from Better Regulation guidelines. “Nothing motivates Europeans more than fact-based evidence,” the organization said, calling for disclosure of all exemptions requested since 2021. Current rules allow exemptions for political imperatives, emergencies, or deadlines, but critics warn that such flexibility fosters a culture of loophole-seeking.

Another concern raised during the consultation is the structure of public consultations. Critics note that some surveys, such as those for the Digital Fairness Act, provide detailed answer options for supporters of proposals while offering limited space for opponents to explain their views. Respondents called for more rigorous methodological standards to ensure all stakeholders can express their opinions equally.

The consultation also highlighted the need for faster, clearer feedback. The CCCE recommended that statistical summaries on the “Have Your Say” portal include information on whether respondents support, oppose, or remain neutral on proposals. Currently, summaries are released up to two months after consultations, and critics warn that results can be framed subjectively. Shorter, more readable synopses of the most common arguments, emailed to participants, could increase transparency and trust.

Transparency was another central theme. Respondents suggested that the Commission publish factual summaries not only for formal public consultations but also for targeted consultations and stakeholder meetings. While current guidelines recommend this as “good practice,” advocates argue it should be mandatory to prevent decision-making behind closed doors.

The consultation responses signal a clear message from the European public: while the EU seeks efficiency in legislative processes, citizens and organizations want consultative mechanisms and impact assessments to remain strong and accessible.

The Commission now faces the challenge of balancing faster policy adoption with transparency and accountability, ensuring that citizens can continue to engage meaningfully in shaping EU law.

France ranks last in a new global index measuring artificial intelligence adoption in government, with nearly half of its public servants reporting that they have never used AI at work, despite substantial government investment in the technology.

The Public Sector AI Adoption Index 2026, released on Monday by Public First for the Center for Data Innovation with support from Google, surveyed 3,335 civil servants across 10 countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, India, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. The study highlights a gap between ambitious AI strategies and actual implementation in European governments.

According to the index, 74 percent of French public servants said AI cannot perform any part of their work, and about 45 percent reported never using AI on the job. Only 27 percent noted that their organisations had invested in AI tools, and many said guidance from leadership on AI use was unclear.

“While France positions AI as a strategic tool for competitiveness and modernisation, without hands-on experience, its value remains abstract for many workers,” the report stated. Researchers warned that 70 percent of employees who actively use AI in organisations with limited guidance are doing so in “shadow” mode, meaning they operate AI tools without informing their employers.

Across Europe, adoption of AI in public services remains cautious. Germany and France were grouped as risk-averse countries, where AI is limited to specialists and pilot projects. The United Kingdom showed more progress, with 37 percent of public servants receiving AI training, but adoption remains uneven across departments and access to approved tools is limited.

By contrast, countries such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and India led the index. Public servants in these countries report widespread, everyday use of AI in government work, supported by clear leadership guidance and training programmes. Globally, 74 percent of public servants now use AI, and 80 percent say it empowers them, but only 18 percent believe their governments are using AI very effectively.

The survey assessed adoption across five areas: attitudes toward AI, confidence in using it, access to approved tools, integration of AI in daily work, and access to training. Experts said these factors determine whether governments can translate ambitious AI strategies into tangible improvements in public services.

“Many governments have ambitious plans for AI in the public sector, but some are creating better conditions for real‑world use than others,” said Rachel Wolf, CEO of Public First. “Our research shows who is succeeding and where improvement is needed. This matters because effective AI enables better public services, stronger outcomes for citizens, and more resilient public institutions.”

The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of France’s AI initiatives, which have included significant investment in infrastructure and ethical frameworks aimed at guiding responsible AI deployment in government. Analysts said closing the gap between strategy and practical use will be critical for the country to realise the benefits of AI for public services.

The European Commission has found that TikTok has not sufficiently limited addictive features such as infinite scroll, which encourages compulsive behaviour, according to preliminary findings released on Friday.

The regulator said the popular video-sharing app relies on features that continuously feed users new content, putting their brains on “autopilot” and prompting repeated scrolling. The Commission concluded that these design elements breach Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and fail to adequately protect users, particularly children and teenagers.

Henna Virkkunen, European Commission executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, stressed the risks of social media addiction. “Social media addiction can have detrimental effects on the developing minds of children and teens,” she said. “The Digital Services Act makes platforms responsible for the effects they can have on their users. In Europe, we enforce our legislation to protect our children and our citizens online.”

The Commission highlighted that TikTok’s Daily Screen Time feature, which automatically sets a one-hour limit for users aged 13 to 17, is ineffective because warnings are “easy to dismiss.” Regulators also raised concerns over parental controls, including the Family Pairing tool, which allows parents to manage screen time, monitor activity, and restrict content. The Commission said these tools are not successful because they demand additional effort and skills from parents.

To comply with the DSA, TikTok will need to “change the basic design of its service,” the Commission said. Proposed measures include disabling infinite scroll, implementing more effective screen time breaks, and modifying video recommendations to reduce compulsive use.

TikTok responded to the preliminary findings in a statement to Euronews Next, calling them “categorically false and entirely meritless.” The company said it plans to challenge the findings through all available channels and noted that it offers a variety of tools to help users manage screen time, including sleep hours and well-being missions that reward users for following limits.

The investigation, launched in 2024, examines whether TikTok meets the requirements of the DSA, which obliges online platforms to manage risks, moderate content, and promote transparency. The Commission reviewed TikTok’s internal risk assessments, company data, and research on behavioural addiction.

This probe follows previous DSA inquiries, including one last October that found TikTok and Meta had made it difficult for researchers to access public data. Another investigation into TikTok’s advertising practices has already concluded.

The current findings are preliminary, and no fines or penalties have been imposed. TikTok has the right to respond in writing and propose solutions. The Commission will also consult the European Board for Digital Services before potentially issuing a non-compliance decision, which could carry fines of up to six percent of the company’s global annual turnover.

In the DSA investigation, TikTok has committed to posting the full content of all ads on its platform to an online repository updated every 24 hours, as part of efforts to improve transparency and user protection.