EU Council to Address Child Protection and Software Security

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/)