European Union

ECHA Risk Assessment Committee Adopts PFAS Restriction Opinion

The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU/EEA. This opinion is a key step in the regulatory process, with the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) expected to release its draft opinion soon.

ECHA Biocidal Products Committee Opinions on Active Substances and Authorisations

The European Chemicals Agency's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) adopted six opinions on active substances and two on Union authorisations in its February 2026 meeting. These opinions concern substances like ethanol, DMDMH, hydrochloric acid, C(M)IT/MIT, and peracetic acid, impacting various product types. The European Commission will make the final decisions.

Biocides Committee supports ethanol approval for disinfectants

ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has supported the approval of ethanol for use in human hygiene, general, and food/feed area disinfectants. The committee did not conclude on ethanol's carcinogenic or reprotoxic properties due to data limitations and the nature of existing evidence.

EBA Central Validation of ISDA SIMM Begins March 1, 2026

The European Banking Authority (EBA) announced the commencement of its central validation function for the ISDA SIMM on March 1, 2026. This new function, established under EMIR, aims to ensure consistent oversight of initial margin models for non-centrally cleared derivatives across the EU.

EBA Opinion on Commission Amendments to RTS on Equivalent Legal Mechanism

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published an Opinion responding to the European Commission's proposed amendments to draft technical standards on equivalent legal mechanisms for residential property under construction. The EBA disagrees with two key amendments concerning risk weight caps and the mandate for completion guarantees.

EBA Final Report on Reporting Standards for Third-Country Branches

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its final report on harmonised reporting standards for third-country branches under CRD VI. The new framework aims to enhance supervisory oversight by introducing uniform reporting formats and definitions, with the first reporting reference date set for March 31, 2027.

EBA Final Guidelines on Capital Endowment for Third-Country Branches

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published final Guidelines specifying eligible instruments for the capital endowment requirement for third-country branches. These guidelines clarify which financial instruments can be used and the operational conditions required to protect local depositors and creditors.

EBA Concludes Legacy Instruments Monitoring Work

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has concluded its dedicated monitoring of legacy instruments, which are financial instruments benefiting from grandfathering provisions under CRR1 and CRR2. The EBA will no longer prioritize this specific monitoring, trusting competent authorities to handle remaining cases based on existing guidance.

BaFin Warns of Unauthorized Financial Services Platform Series

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning regarding a series of websites operating under the name 'Investieren & Handeln Sie 300+'. These platforms are offering financial, securities, and crypto-asset services without the required authorization from BaFin, potentially engaging in identity theft against legitimate investment funds.

BaFin Warns Consumers About exomarkets(.)pro Website and Identity Theft

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website exomarkets(.)pro, which is offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without authorization. The warning highlights potential identity theft and unauthorized business operations.