Apple’s EU Purge: Why 135,000 Apps Just Vanished

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

Apple has wiped more than 135,000 apps from its EU App Store in what marks the largest mass removal in the platform’s history. The reason? Developers failed to comply with new transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping European regulation aimed at increasing consumer protections online.

Key Facts

February 17 was the deadline for App Store developers to declare their commercial status to continue operating in the EU.
Data from Appfigures, reported by TechCrunch, reveals that Apple removed over 135,000 apps in just two days due to non-compliance.
These apps aren’t permanently deleted—developers can restore them by updating their merchant information via App Store Connect.

What’s Driving The Crackdown?

The DSA, which took effect in August 2023, officially became applicable to all online platforms on February 17, 2024. Among its many requirements, it mandates platforms like the App Store to disclose the commercial status of developers, ensuring greater transparency and consumer protection.

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Who Counts As A Merchant?

Any app generating revenue—whether through downloads, in-app purchases, or advertising—is classified as a merchant under EU law. Developers must now provide their contact details, including a phone number, email, and address linked to their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) record. Independent developers face similar requirements.

The Privacy Dilemma

For small developers, this regulation poses a challenge. Many are reluctant to share personal information publicly, citing privacy concerns. As a result, thousands of apps—many likely from independent creators—have been pulled from the store.

This unprecedented purge underscores the growing regulatory pressure on tech giants and the unintended consequences for smaller players in the ecosystem. While Apple is enforcing the rules, the broader question remains: will the EU’s push for transparency come at the cost of innovation?

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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