Press Review - Week of 12 June 2026

Press Review – Week of 12 June 2026

This week’s press review looks at the announcement by the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) that its 2026 report will examine how companies identify and address risks related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and geopolitical developments; the adoption by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) of a harmonized data breach notification template; the actions undertaken by the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) to protect consumers, as outlined in its 2025 activity report; the rejection in committee by the French National Assembly of Gérald Darmanin’s criminal justice bill; and the Czech Republic’s victory in an arbitration brought by the French outdoor advertising company JCDecaux before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

#Ethics & Compliance

How are listed companies addressing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and geopolitical risks? The AMF will examine these issues in its 2026 corporate governance report

The French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers – AMF) has announced that its 2026 report on corporate governance and executive remuneration will include a study on how boards of directors and supervisory boards are addressing risks related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and geopolitics. The objective is to assess how these issues are incorporated into the strategic decision-making of listed companies and whether governance bodies possess the expertise and tools necessary to anticipate and manage them effectively. The study will also examine the quality of the disclosures made by issuers regarding these emerging risks. Based on its findings, the AMF may issue recommendations and highlight governance best practices. In parallel, the AMF will contribute to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s work on the implications of artificial intelligence for corporate governance.> Read the article.

The EDPB meets European Commissioner McGrath and adopts a common data breach notification template

At its plenary session on 8 June 2026, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) met with European Commissioner Michael McGrath to discuss several issues related to data protection. The EDPB notably reiterated its opposition to the proposed changes to the definition of personal data in the context of the “digital omnibus”, considering that such changes could weaken the level of protection guaranteed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The discussions also covered the protection of children, political advertising, and international data transfers. Finally, the EDPB adopted a common data breach notification template aimed at harmonizing European practices and facilitating compliance with the requirements of Article 33 of the GDPR. >Read the article.

#Dispute resolution & regulatory investigations

Protecting consumers and safeguarding the competitiveness of French businesses: the DGCCRF publishes its 2025 annual activity report

In its 2025 annual activity report, the French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes – DGCCRF) highlights the strengthening of its consumer protection and market regulation activities in a context marked by the expansion of e-commerce and the increasing sophistication of fraudulent practices. Nearly 58,000 establishments and websites were inspected, while the total amount of administrative penalties and criminal sanctions exceeded €200 million. Investigations focused in particular on misleading commercial practices, digital platforms, product safety, and fraud affecting sensitive sectors such as energy renovation and home repair services. The DGCCRF also emphasizes its efforts to promote fairer commercial relationships between businesses and to combat anti-competitive practices. In 2026, the authority intends to pursue this strategy, notably by enhancing its capabilities to address challenges arising from digital technologies and artificial intelligence. > Read the article.

#Litigation and International investigation

Darmanin’s criminal justice bill was rejected in committee at the National Assembly

The criminal justice bill was rejected by the Law Committee of the National Assembly by 18 votes to 16. All left-wing parties voted against it, while the National Rally party abstained. According to those close to Gérald Darmanin, the rejection amounts to “bad news for victims”, with criticism focusing both on the low turnout and the insufficient mobilisation of Renaissance MPs. Conversely, Christophe Bayle, President of the Conference of Bar Presidents, which represents France’s 163 regional Bars, welcomed a decision which took into account the concerns expressed by the legal profession and victims’ associations. He called on the Minister of Justice to withdraw the bill. The text, which notably provides for a controversial “plea-bargaining” mechanism, is due to be debated at the end of June in the version adopted by the Senate. > Read the article.

#Arbitration and Mediation

French advertiser loses ICSID claim against Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has won its case in an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) arbitration against the multinational JCDecaux. The company sought €22.7 million following the termination of a transport advertising contract with the City of Prague. The tribunal ruled that the decision to terminate the contract, taken by Prague’s public transport company, constituted an independent commercial choice not attributable to the State under international law. Indeed, the transport company had contested the contract for the lease of advertising space on the grounds of unprofitability and invalidity under Czech law. JCDecaux was ordered to pay costs amounting to €1.4 million. According to the Czech Ministry of Finance, this award marks the Czech Republic’s 33rd victory in investment arbitration. >Read the article.