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Strategic Technology Platform for Europe (STEP) Seal

Publication date: April 14, 2026

The Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe (hereinafter referred to as STEP) is a European Union initiative established to, among other things, “ensure the sovereignty and security of the Union, reduce the Union’s strategic dependencies in strategic sectors, and strengthen the Union’s competitiveness by increasing its resilience and productivity.”[1] STEP was established by Regulation (EU) 2024/795 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024[2], which entered into force on 1 March 2024, and provides the legal framework for the entire platform. Its primary mission is to reduce the European Union’s dependence on external technology suppliers and strengthen European value chains in key technology areas. This is part of the implementation of the European Union’s core policy of “improving the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy through the green and digital transformation.”.

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Can an online auctioneer charge the maximum amount set by a bidder if the amount of the item being bid is less than the last bid?

Publication date: March 11, 2026

Regulation of concluding a sales contract by auction according to the Civil Code

Pursuant to Article 701 of the Polish Civil Code, a contract – including a sales contract – may be concluded through an auction or a tender. These two distinct contract-formation methods are distinguished by their specific characteristics, which include the multilateral and eliminatory nature of the procedure. Both procedures allow for the conclusion of a contract with the participant offering the most favorable terms from among many potential contractors, on equal terms and in compliance with the principles of free competition.

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Act on the Financial Instrument for Increasing Safety SAFE – systemic and legal-financial analysis

Publication date: February 26, 2026

Introduction

The Act of 13 February 2026 on the SAFE Financial Instrument for Enhancing Security is the national legislature’s response to the European Union’s establishment of a new financial mechanism aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of Member States. The SAFE Instrument (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) was established pursuant to a regulation of the Council of the European Union of 27 May 2025 as an emergency measure to accelerate investment in the European defense industry and increase the interoperability and readiness of the armed forces of EU Member States.

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AI Cartels

Publication date: February 26, 2026

Pricing API language models, collaboratively restricting access to the most advanced models, blocking interoperability, collaborative lobbying for regulations that hinder startup entry – is market ready for this?

An AI cartel is a situation in which AI-developing companies secretly or openly cooperate in a way that restricts competition—for example, by fixing prices, blocking access to technology, or jointly eliminating smaller players from the market.

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CHIPS AND DIGITALIZATION

Publication date: February 12, 2026

The EU Chips Act is a major European legislative package launched to boost the EU’s semiconductor industry, aiming to double its global market share to 20% by 2030, enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce reliance on external chipmakers. The EU Chips Act 2.0 is a proposed follow-up to the 2023 Chips Act, driven by a coalition of EU member states (including Germany, France, Netherlands) in late 2025 to shift from crisis management to long-term industrial strategy. It aims to secure supply chains, boost competitiveness, and accelerate investment by simplifying regulations and targeting R&D.

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