Your EU news of the week

13-16 year olds may need to get permission to use the internet from their parents.

A last minute amendment to Europe's Data Protection Regulation, says: “The processing of personal data of a child below the age of 16 years shall only be lawful if and to the extent that such consent is given or authorised by the holder of parental responsibility over the child.” Sites like Facebook already have restrictions on users under the age of 13 creating accounts. European lawmakers are discussing it this week with a view to voting on the amendment Thursday.

European Border and Coast Guard

The EU is proposing a plan this week to create a more powerful Border control unit, which would encapsulate the current agency, Frontex, that look after this role. The proposed new body would have the power to march into a country — even against the wishes of the government — if it deems border protection there to be inadequate.

Ireland and Apple’s Tax Agreement

The European Commission’s investigation into Apple’s Irish tax situation is rolling into 2016 as the EC has looked for more information from the government. They are looking into whether the Irish government and Apple are subject to a ‘sweetheart’ tax deal.

UN warns EU about working with Tobacco Companies

The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control secretariat, Vera Da Costa e Silva, expressed concern about the EU working with the four big tobacco companies on anti-smuggling reforms.

Some fun for your lunch time

Politico have a cool quiz on Star Wars vs the EU here.