Business

EU unveils streamlined digital package with delayed AI rules and new Business Wallets

Wednesday, 19 November 2025 3:09PM UTC

The European Commission has launched a comprehensive digital reform initiative featuring streamlined regulations, delayed high-risk AI rules, and the innovative European Business Wallet, aiming to boost cross-border digital services and boost innovation within the EU.

The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive new digital package designed to simplify regulatory burdens on businesses across the EU, fostering innovation and economic growth while accommodating the rapid evolution of digital technologies. This package, central to the Commission's strategy to modernise digital legislation, includes the Digital Omnibus, a Data Union Strategy, and the introduction of European Business Wallets, collectively aimed at streamlining compliance and enhancing cross-border digital operations.

At the heart of the initiative is the Digital Omnibus, which seeks to consolidate and clarify rules on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data management. A significant feature is the proposed delay in implementing high-risk AI regulations, originally set for August 2026, now postponed to December 2027. This extension follows feedback from major technology companies and stakeholders advocating for more time and support tools to comply effectively. The adjustment aims to balance innovation-friendly regulation with safeguarding public interests such as safety and fundamental rights. Importantly, this delay affects oversight in sensitive areas including biometric identification and healthcare applications, prompting discussion around potential impacts on privacy and ethics.

To ease compliance further, the Commission proposes simplifying cybersecurity reporting by creating a single-entry point for companies to report incidents, thereby reducing administrative complexity. Concurrently, targeted amendments to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are set to harmonise and clarify privacy rules, such as modernising cookie consent requirements, which will help improve the user experience online by decreasing the frequency of pop-ups and allowing users to manage preferences centrally through browsers or operating systems. While these changes promise to enhance business agility, critics express concerns that some revisions, particularly those concerning data use for AI training, might dilute long-standing privacy protections and disproportionately benefit large technology firms.

The digital package also makes strides to improve data accessibility, a vital driver of AI innovation. By consolidating four pieces of legislation into a single Data Act, the Commission aims to provide clearer legal frameworks and simplify cloud-switching rules for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), potentially saving these businesses significant costs. Additionally, guidance through model contractual terms and the establishment of a Data Act Legal Helpdesk will support organisations in navigating data regulations. The Data Union Strategy complements these efforts by facilitating expanded access to high-quality data and enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy in international data policy, with measures to protect sensitive non-personal data and ensure fair treatment of European data abroad.

A transformative component of the package is the European Business Wallet, an integrated digital tool designed to enable companies and public sector bodies to conduct a wide range of administrative, legal, and cross-border business activities online. This wallet will allow businesses to digitally sign, timestamp, seal, and exchange verified documents securely across all 27 EU Member States, dramatically reducing paperwork and streamlining interactions with public authorities. Early estimates indicate that such digital wallets could unlock up to €150 billion in savings annually for businesses while contributing to a €5 billion reduction in administrative costs by 2029. This initiative aligns with broader efforts, such as the European Digital Identity Wallet, to provide citizens and companies secure, trustworthy electronic identification for seamless access to public and private services throughout the EU.

The package now awaits adoption by the European Parliament and the Council, marking a pivotal step in the Commission's goal of making the EU digital economy more competitive and less burdensome. Complementing the legislative process, the Commission has launched a broad consultation under the Digital Fitness Check, which will rigorously assess the coherence, effectiveness, and cumulative impact of the EU's digital rules until March 2026. This ongoing review underlines the Commission's intent to refine digital legislation continuously to support economic growth, innovation, and the protection of fundamental rights.

While the Commission asserts that the simplification agenda does not imply deregulation, the proposed adjustments highlight a careful recalibration in regulatory approaches to keep pace with technological advancements and global economic competition. The transition will be closely watched by stakeholders across Europe, with debates expected around how best to balance innovation facilitation, data protection, and consumer rights in the increasingly complex digital landscape.

📌 Reference Map:

^[1] (Mirage News European Commission) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
^[2] (Reuters) - Paragraphs 2, 3, 5, 7
^[3] (Reuters) - Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
^[4] (European Commission Digital Strategy) - Paragraph 5
^[5] (European Commission Digital Strategy) - Paragraph 5
^[6] (Interreg Europe) - Paragraph 7
^[7] (Council of the EU) - Paragraph 5

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.miragenews.com/simpler-eu-digital-rules-and-new-digital-1573584/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-delay-high-risk-ai-rules-until-2027-after-big-tech-pushback-2025-11-19/ - The European Commission has proposed delaying the implementation of stricter AI regulations for 'high risk' applications under the AI Act to December 2027, from the previously scheduled August 2026. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline digital regulations and reduce bureaucratic red tape, following pushback from Big Tech and pressure to enhance Europe's economic competitiveness. The delay impacts regulations covering biometric identification, job applications, healthcare, credit assessments, and law enforcement. The new proposal, termed the 'Digital Omnibus', also includes revisions to major digital laws like the GDPR, the Data Act, and the e-Privacy Directive. Notably, the changes may allow companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI to use European personal data to train AI models. While the Commission insists that simplification doesn't mean deregulation, it acknowledges the need for a critical review of its existing policies. The proposal will still undergo debate and voting among EU member states.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/how-eu-plans-ease-rules-big-tech-2025-11-19/ - The European Commission has proposed the 'Digital Omnibus' package to revise EU digital regulations, aiming to ease compliance for big tech companies and foster AI development. Key measures include delaying the enforcement of high-risk AI rules from August 2026 to December 2027, granting firms more leeway in using large datasets including health and biometric information for AI training without explicit consent. The redefined concept of anonymous data would reduce the scope of what is considered 'personal' under privacy law. New cookie rules would reduce user annoyance, allowing broader consent settings across websites and fewer pop-ups. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the plan reduces documentation and compliance burdens, potentially saving hundreds of millions of euros annually and facilitating cross-border business through a new 'European Business Wallet' for digital filings. Critics argue these reforms could dilute privacy protections in place for two decades and disproportionately benefit large tech firms, despite assurances from officials that EU privacy standards will be preserved. The measures still require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/business-wallets - The European Business Wallets are a key component of the European Commission's Digital Package, aiming to streamline operations for businesses and reduce administrative burdens. These wallets will provide companies and public sector bodies with a unified digital tool, enabling them to digitally sign, timestamp, and seal documents; securely create, store, and exchange verified documents; and communicate securely with other businesses or public administrations across EU Member States. The initiative is expected to save up to €5 billion in administrative costs by 2029 and unlock at least €150 billion in savings for businesses each year. The wallets will be available to all levels of public administration across the EU, including EU institutions, bodies, and agencies, with a two-year implementation period after adoption.
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/european-digital-identity-wallet - The European Digital Identity Wallet is a mobile identity wallet defined in European Union law to let people and businesses prove who they are online and share verified attributes across the EU. It is created by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, which amends the eIDAS framework to establish a European Digital Identity, and by a suite of Commission implementing regulations adopted on 28 November 2024 that specify the wallet’s core functions, data, interfaces, and certification. Member States must make at least one wallet available and recognise those issued by other Member States. The Council adopted the legal framework on 26 March 2024, following Parliament’s first-reading adoption on 29 February 2024; the act was published on 30 April 2024 and entered into force on 20 May 2024.
https://www.interregeurope.eu/news-events/news/call-for-evidence-on-digital-omnibus - The European Commission has opened a call for evidence to collect research and best practices on how to simplify its legislation in the upcoming Digital Omnibus, especially when it comes to data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). This call for evidence follows extensive stakeholder engagement that included public consultations on the Data Union Strategy, the revision of the Cybersecurity Act, and the Apply AI Strategy. It is a first step in simplifying the EU's digital rulebook. To share your evidence and good practices, register or log in to your EU account. The call for evidence is open until 14 October 2025.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/03/26/european-digital-identity-eid-council-adopts-legal-framework-on-a-secure-and-trustworthy-digital-wallet-for-all-europeans/pdf/ - The revised regulation constitutes a clear paradigm shift for digital identity in Europe. It aims to ensure that people and businesses across Europe have universal access to secure and trustworthy electronic identification and authentication. Under the new law, member states will offer citizens and businesses digital wallets that will be able to link their national digital identities with proof of other personal attributes (e.g., driving licence, qualifications, bank account). Citizens will be able to prove their identity and share electronic documents from their digital wallets simply, using their mobile phones. The new European digital identity wallets (EDIWs) will enable all citizens to access online services with their national digital identification, which will be recognised throughout the EU, without having to use private identification methods or unnecessarily share personal data. User control ensures that only information that needs to be shared will be shared.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative is based on a recent press release from the European Commission dated 19 November 2025, detailing new digital initiatives. Press releases are typically considered fresh content. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 19 November 2025. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data and introduces new initiatives, justifying a high freshness score.

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative does not contain direct quotes. The information is paraphrased from the European Commission's press release and other reputable sources. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating originality.

Source reliability

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, the European Commission, which is a strength. The information is corroborated by other reputable outlets, including Reuters and the Council of the EU. All entities mentioned in the report can be verified online, indicating credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 10

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with recent developments in EU digital policy. The proposed measures, such as the Digital Omnibus and European Business Wallets, are consistent with the European Commission's stated goals to simplify digital regulations and enhance business operations. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as dates, institutions, and figures, supporting its credibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is based on a recent press release from the European Commission, detailing new digital initiatives. The information is corroborated by other reputable sources, and the claims made are plausible and supported by specific factual anchors. No signs of recycled content, unverifiable entities, or disinformation were found.

European Commission
Digital Strategy
AI Regulations