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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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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