European Union

EPO Patent Publication EP4712298A1: Charging Control Method

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4712298A1 concerning a charging control method for devices, apparatus, vehicle devices, and vehicles. The patent, filed by Great Wall Motor Company Limited, details a method to prevent damage to proprietary protocol chips by ensuring proper power chip initialization before charging.

EPO Patent Publication: Battery Management System Voltage Estimation

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4712300A1 concerning a battery management system (BMS) that estimates actual cell voltage by removing voltage errors caused by wiring resistors. This technology is developed by SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.

Cell Balancing Method and Battery System

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4712296A1 for a cell balancing method and battery system developed by LG Energy Solution, Ltd. The invention details a method for managing battery cell balancing in low-power modes to optimize energy consumption and performance.

Deldwyn EU Citizenship Rights Judgment

The Court of Justice of the European Union issued a preliminary ruling in Case C-477/24 concerning the interpretation of Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely. The judgment clarifies conditions for derived rights of residence for third-country nationals divorced from Union citizens, particularly regarding involuntary unemployment and access to social welfare files.

EU Banking Sector Robust Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its Q4 2025 Risk Dashboard, indicating the EU banking sector remains robust with strong capital, liquidity, and asset quality despite geopolitical uncertainty. The report also includes the new CRR3/CRD6 dashboard, projecting capital metrics under future regulatory implementation.

ECB VP: War impacts euro economy, inflation, growth

The European Central Bank (ECB) Vice-President Luis de Guindos stated that the war in the Middle East will significantly impact the euro area's economy, affecting both growth and inflation. The ECB's baseline scenario anticipates a peak in energy prices in Q2 2026, with a subsequent decline, though more severe scenarios project longer disruptions. The ECB is monitoring inflation expectations and energy prices, maintaining a data-dependent approach to interest rates.

ECB Wage Tracker: Negotiated Wage Pressures Easing in 2026

The European Central Bank (ECB) released its updated wage tracker, indicating that negotiated wage growth is expected to stabilize around 2.6% by the end of 2026. This represents a downward revision from previous estimates, suggesting easing wage pressures within the Eurozone.

EPO Patent Publication EP2026025369A1: Battery Technology

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP2026025369A1 concerning battery cell, battery device, and electric device technology. The publication date is March 18, 2026, and it includes International Patent Classification codes related to battery components and systems.

EPO Patent Publication EP2026025366A1: Battery Cell, Device, and Electric Device

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP2026025366A1 concerning a battery cell, battery device, and electric device. The publication date is March 18, 2026. The designation of the inventor has not yet been filed.

Electrode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery and Preparation Method

The European Patent Office has published a patent application (EP2026025634A1) for an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and its preparation method. The publication date is March 18, 2026, and it includes inventors and IPC classifications related to battery technology.