Covering ePI, Bone Complications, Urssaf, Monetary Policy, ECB. This episode covers critical EU regulatory news on electronic product information rollout, updates on bone complication treatments, Urssaf workforce data requirements, and ECB’s monetary policy stance amid geopolitical risks.
Regulatory news, updates, and insights for countries in the EU presented by the Carver Agents team
Welcome to Carver's European Union Regulatory Updates for March 22, 2026.
The European Commission has launched a four-week call for evidence aimed at the targeted revision of the Water Framework Directive. This initiative seeks stakeholder input to identify regulatory bottlenecks and simplify the legislation. The Commission is particularly interested in how the directive’s provisions may hinder strategic autonomy in critical raw materials. Contributions should include information on environmental impacts of critical raw material projects and potential mitigation measures. Stakeholders can participate through an online consultation open until 14 April 2026.
In climate and energy news, the European Union’s Innovation Fund 2025 auctions have attracted almost billion euros in bids from European industry. The auctions focus on supporting decarbonisation efforts in industrial heat and hydrogen production. New topics introduced include maritime and aviation off-takers and electrolytic low-carbon hydrogen. Successful heat projects are required to reach financial close within two years and commence operations within four years, while hydrogen projects must reach financial close within two and a half years and start production within five years.
The European Central Bank’s Governing Council announced on March 19, 2026, that it will maintain the three key interest rates unchanged. Updated inflation and growth projections reflect the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict and energy prices. The ECB emphasized a cautious, data-driven approach to monetary policy amid geopolitical risks. Financial institutions are advised to monitor inflation and economic data closely to assess risks and prepare for potential future adjustments. The ECB also highlighted the availability of its Transmission Protection Instrument to counteract market disruptions.
Turning to pharmaceutical regulation, the European Union has introduced a phased roadmap for electronic product information, or ePI, starting in the fourth quarter of 2026. Initially, submissions will be voluntary for vaccines and oncology products, progressing to all centrally authorised products by 2028. National Competent Authorities and the European Medicines Agency will adapt their systems and processes to support ePI implementation. Applicants must author and upload ePI documents at the product lifecycle management portal alongside current submission formats.
In addition, the European Medicines Agency has updated product information and risk management plans for Xgeva, a medicine containing denosumab. Healthcare providers must adhere to approved dosing schedules, and patients are advised to take calcium and vitamin D supplements during treatment. The marketing authorisation holder is required to provide patient risk cards addressing the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
The European Commission has also initiated an anti-dumping investigation concerning specific copper tube products following an application by the EU Copper Tubes Defence Committee. This investigation may lead to anti-dumping duties affecting exporters from the countries involved. Affected parties are required to respond to investigation requests and provide necessary data during the dumping and injury investigation periods.
Finally, in France, the Urssaf has communicated workforce data related to the Obligation d’Emploi des Travailleurs Handicapés, or OETH, for the 2025 year. This enables companies to make their DOETH declarations in the April 2026 D claration Sociale Nominative, with payments due by May 5 or 15, 2026, depending on company size. The obligation applies to companies with more than 20 employees for five consecutive years. Companies must declare monthly BOETH status of employees in the DSN and use the Urssaf notified data for their DOETH declaration to ensure compliance and avoid financial penalties.
That wraps up today's regulatory updates. Visit carveragents.ai for more information.