Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and replies published from 28.06.2026 tille 05.07.2026. The primary policy areas in focus include the rigorous enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), the operationalisation of the AI Act, data governance, cybersecurity of digital infrastructures, and the deployment of sovereign payment systems like the digital euro. Institutionally, the Commission positions itself as an active, resolute enforcer, consistently defending the technical robustness and fundamental-rights compliance of its frameworks, particularly regarding privacy-preserving age verification and platform accountability. For public-affairs and digital-policy professionals, these developments indicate a decisive shift from legislative negotiation to strict, structural market intervention and compliance monitoring across the European tech ecosystem.
DSA Enforcement & Platform Accountability
❗ Commission Clarifies DSA Enforcement on Meta’s Content Moderation
In Parliamentary Question E-001841/26, Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE) asked the Commission if it intends to launch formal procedures against Meta regarding alleged reach restrictions on specific communities. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that the Commission has already initiated proceedings against Meta under the Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing on suspicions that its recommender systems demote political content and that its http://35.214.217.53:8087/project/cmdisuww60006tbqku64hklp9/usersinternal complaint-handling system is ineffective.
❗ Commission Links Deceptive Design to Fraudulent Content Risks
In Parliamentary Question E-002011/26, the Commission was asked to clarify its stance on systemic risks and deceptive design. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that fraudulent schemes are considered systemic risks under Article 34 of the DSA. Using the ongoing investigation into X (formerly Twitter) as an example, the Commission highlighted that deceptive design features—such as allowing users to purchase verified status—are mutually reinforcing with fraudulent content, thereby heightening user exposure to scams and impersonation.
❗ Enforcement Actions Target E-commerce Platforms Temu and Shein
In Parliamentary Question E-001130/26, the Commission was questioned on its strategy to tackle non-compliant products sold by online marketplaces. In a response on 26 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed the opening of formal DSA investigations into Temu and Shein, focusing on illegal products and addictive design. The Commission clarified it is not establishing a new specialised EU body, but is instead relying on the upcoming Customs Reform and the revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation to ensure an EU-based economic operator is responsible for supply-chain monitoring.
❗ Commission Monitors Recommender Systems and Dark Patterns
In Parliamentary Question E-001497/26, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) asked how the Commission will tackle potential DSA breaches linked to recommender systems and dark patterns on platforms like YouTube. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen noted that the Commission continuously monitors compliance with these obligations and uses its investigative powers, referencing ongoing investigations into Temu, Shein, and TikTok, as well as commitments secured from AliExpress to offer non-personalised recommendations.
❗ Scrutiny of Meta’s Election Operations Centers
In Parliamentary Question E-001732/26, Sandro Ruotolo (S&D) and Nicola Zingaretti (S&D) enquired about Meta’s ‘elections operations centers’ and their compliance with the DSA. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen affirmed that the Commission is aware of these centres and that providers of very large online platforms are obliged to mitigate risks to electoral processes. The Commission highlighted its ongoing investigation into Meta regarding the potential demotion of political content in its recommender systems.
❗ Defending Electoral Integrity via the DSA
In Parliamentary Question E-001567/26, the Commission was asked about ensuring free and fair elections in the context of digital platforms. In a response on 3 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen reiterated that the integrity of elections is a priority, noting the Commission has opened an investigation into Facebook and Instagram’s approach to political content under the DSA. The Commission also referenced its election guidelines and the parallel application of the Political Advertising Regulation.
❓ MEPs Query AGORA Platform Compliance
In Parliamentary Question E-002558/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Leire Pajín (S&D) asked whether national Digital Services Coordinators are complying with their DSA obligations to transmit copies of orders to act against illegal content to the AGORA data-sharing platform. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Seek Clarity on DSA Application to Domain Name Resolution Services
In Parliamentary Question E-002555/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Leire Pajín (S&D) asked the Commission whether domain name resolution (DNS) services qualify as intermediary services under the DSA, and if so, under which specific category they fall. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Classification of Content Delivery Networks under the DSA
In Parliamentary Question E-002556/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Leire Pajín (S&D) asked whether content delivery network (CDN) services qualify as intermediary services under the DSA and under which category they would fall. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Application of the DSA to VPN Services
In Parliamentary Question E-002557/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Leire Pajín (S&D) enquired if virtual private network (VPN) services qualify as intermediary services under the DSA. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Status of Reverse Proxy Services under the DSA
In Parliamentary Question E-002559/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Leire Pajín (S&D) asked if reverse proxy services qualify as intermediary services under the DSA and how they are categorised. A response from the Commission is pending.
DMA Enforcement
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to DMA Investigations Regardless of Political Pressure
In Parliamentary Question E-002071/26, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew) pressed the Commission on the timeline for a non-compliance decision against Google (Alphabet) under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera stated that the investigations into Alphabet’s alleged self-preferencing and anti-steering practices remain a high priority. The Commission affirmed its commitment to full DMA enforcement regardless of geopolitical pressures, noting it is currently engaged in intensive discussions with Alphabet regarding potential compliance solutions.
Data Act & Data Governance
❓ Data Act Enforcement Tested by Automotive Industry Practices
In Parliamentary Question E-002465/2026, submitted on 16 June 2026, Bruno Tobback (S&D) asked the Commission to assess whether Volkswagen Group’s decision to block free, real-time access to electric car charging data constitutes a breach of the EU Data Act. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Legal Frameworks for the Digital Data of Deceased Persons
In Parliamentary Question E-001378/26, Yvan Verougstraete (Renew) asked whether the lack of a harmonised EU framework for the digital data of deceased persons constitutes a legal gap. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen clarified that existing frameworks—such as the AI Act, Data Act, and EU copyright law—offer protections, and that national succession rules govern the GDPR. The Commission stated it is not currently planning legislative action on this matter as it is not aware of concerning fragmentation at the national level.
Age Verification & Child Protection
❗ Commission Defends Privacy Standards of EU Age Verification Blueprint
In Parliamentary Question E-001790/26, the Commission was asked about the balance between child protection and online anonymity. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen asserted that the DSA does not alter the principle of online anonymity established in the e-Commerce Directive. The Commission highlighted that the EU’s Age Verification Blueprint utilises zero-knowledge proofs, allowing users to verify their age via a cryptographic confirmation without sharing identity details or centralising data storage.
❗ No Plans to Restrict VPNs for Age Verification
In Parliamentary Question E-001989/26, the Commission was questioned about potential restrictions on virtual private network (VPN) services in the context of child protection. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that the Commission is not preparing an EU-wide ban or mandatory identification requirement for VPNs. The response reiterated the necessity of the EU-wide age verification system to shield children from age-inappropriate material where self-declaration systems have proven insufficient.
❗ Data Protection in the European Age Verification App
In Parliamentary Question E-001716/26, the Commission was asked about the data protection aspects of the European age verification app. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen noted that the application is an early reference implementation released openly for scrutiny. The Commission assured that the solution complies with the GDPR, using zero-knowledge proofs to let users prove their age without sharing their identity or personal details, ensuring no centralised storage of data.
❗ Blueprint Does Not Require Linking Accounts to Government IDs
In Parliamentary Question E-001771/26, the Commission was asked for further details on the age verification blueprint. In a response on 3 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen clarified that the blueprint does not require any linking of accounts to government-issued IDs for central tracking. Although an ID may be used to generate the proof of age locally on the device, this data is deleted once the issuance process is complete and is never transmitted.
❗ Age Verification Will Not Remove Anonymous Internet Access
In Parliamentary Question E-001916/26, Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) raised concerns about age verification leading to digital surveillance and the indirect removal of anonymous internet access. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen reiterated that there are no plans to restrict VPNs and that the principle of online anonymity remains unchanged. The Commission stressed that the device-based age verification system generates an anonymous attestation without storing personal data, limiting the risk of data leaks.
❗ Protecting Minors from Gambling Advertisements Online
In Parliamentary Question E-001710/26, the Commission was asked about protecting minors from gambling advertisements. In a response on 3 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen noted that the DSA requires online platforms to ensure minor safety and prohibits advertising based on profiling using minors’ personal data. The Commission is also considering additional measures under the upcoming Digital Fairness Act based on findings from the Special Panel of Experts on Child Safety Online.
❓ MEPs Request Tighter Controls on Video Game Content
In Parliamentary Question E-002502/2026, submitted on 17 June 2026, Olivier Chastel (Renew) asked whether the Commission intends to tighten requirements for video game platforms to clearly indicate sensitive content and provide harmonised parental controls to protect children from violent or sexual content. A response from the Commission is pending.
AI Office & Law Enforcement
❗ AI Office Staffing and Oversight of General-Purpose AI Models
In Parliamentary Question E-001864/26, the Commission was asked about the structural capacity of the AI Office and its engagement with AI developer Anthropic. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen detailed that the AI Office currently employs over 140 staff within DG CNECT and has unique access to providers’ internal safety practices. The Commission noted that once enforcement powers apply in August 2026, requests for information and model access will become mandatory for General Purpose AI providers.
❗ Clarification on Real-Time Biometric Identification Under the AI Act
In Parliamentary Question E-002061/26, the Commission was asked about the parameters for law enforcement use of biometric surveillance. In a response on 3 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen reiterated that real-time remote biometric identification (RBI) is prohibited under the AI Act, save for strictly necessary exceptions subject to prior judicial or administrative authorisation. The Commission clarified that while the prohibition began applying in February 2025, enforcement provisions will only take effect in August 2026.
❗ AI Act Safeguards Against Predictive Policing
In Parliamentary Question E-001361/26, the Commission was asked about the use of predictive policing technology and Palantir products. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that the Commission does not use any Palantir technology. The response highlighted that the AI Act prohibits AI systems from assessing criminal risk based solely on profiling, and outlined the Open Source Strategy aimed at supporting secure, sovereign alternatives aligned with EU values.
Fundamental Rights & Surveillance
❗ Rule of Law and Spyware Investigations in Greece
In Parliamentary Question E-001962/26, Nikolas Farantouris (S&D) and others asked if the decision not to reopen the wiretapping case in Greece complies with EU rule of law obligations. In a response on 1 July 2026, Commissioner McGrath stated that the Commission does not comment on individual national court proceedings but strongly condemns illegal access to communications. The Commission indicated it continues to monitor the rule of law in Greece, including allegations of illegal spyware use, for its 2026 Rule of Law Report.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
❗ Commission Responds to Internal Cyberattack and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
In Parliamentary Question E-001941/26, Barbara Bonte (PfE) questioned the credibility of EU cyber policy following a cyberattack on the Commission’s europa.eu cloud infrastructure. In a response on 3 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen acknowledged the attack occurred via a compromised open-source tool (Trivy), pointing to a growing risk of software supply-chain attacks. The Commission stated it is reinforcing origin verification measures and highlighted the proposed Cybersecurity Act 2 as the framework to strengthen ICT supply chains.
❗ Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Data Centre Deployment
In Parliamentary Question E-001491/26, the Commission was asked about the environmental impact of data infrastructure. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined the forthcoming Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package, which will introduce a rating scheme based on the Energy Efficiency Directive. The Commission noted that the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act aims to harmonise investment conditions while supporting local authorities in conditioning project approvals on clear local benefits.
❓ Data Centres and Nuclear Power Under the Cloud and AI Development Act
In Parliamentary Question E-002448/2026, submitted on 15 June 2026, Sarah Knafo (ESN) and others asked how the Commission justifies promoting nuclear power to supply data centres while including performance indicators that penalise nuclear-powered facilities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Data Sovereignty Concerns Surround European Payment System Wero
In Parliamentary Question P-002371/2026, submitted on 9 June 2026, a cross-party group of MEPs asked the Commission if it acknowledges risks associated with the European payment system Wero using Amazon Web Services (AWS), potentially subjecting EU citizen data to US extraterritorial laws. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Mobile Devices as Critical Endpoints in Cybersecurity
In Parliamentary Question E-002452/2026, submitted on 15 June 2026, José Cepeda (S&D) asked whether the Commission plans to request specific guidelines from ENISA on the protection of mobile devices as critical endpoints under frameworks like the Cyber Resilience Act. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Security Risks Linked to SIM Card Registration
In Parliamentary Question E-001477/26, Assita Kanko (ECR) and others asked about the security risks of Member States not requiring identity registration for SIM cards. In a response on 30 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen noted that Member States have discretion to impose SIM registration. The Commission is conducting an impact assessment on a harmonised EU framework for non-content data retention and plans to publish an Action Plan to counter digital fraud before the end of 2026.
Digital Finance & E-commerce
❓ Parliament Questions Legal Basis of the Digital Euro
In Parliamentary Question E-002539/2026, submitted on 18 June 2026, Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN) questioned whether Article 133 TFEU provides a sufficient legal basis for the digital euro, given its integration of digital identity systems and interventions in payment market structures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Integration of Digital Identity in the Digital Euro
In Parliamentary Question E-002540/2026, submitted on 18 June 2026, Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN) asked how the Commission intends to ensure that access to the digital euro remains possible through national forms of identification rather than exclusively via digital identity systems. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ ECB Questioned on Data Protection for the Digital Euro
In Parliamentary Question Z000012/2026, submitted on 11 June 2026, Gerald Hauser (PfE) asked the European Central Bank what specific data would be processed for online digital euro payments and what safeguards are envisioned to prevent cash displacement. A response is pending.
❓ Transparency of Visa and Mastercard Fees
In Parliamentary Question E-002494/2026, submitted on 17 June 2026, Aurore Lalucq (S&D) asked how the Commission intends to enforce compliance with transparency rules under the Payment Services Regulation to protect merchants from Visa and Mastercard fees, and whether a framework to cap scheme fees is being considered. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Regulating E-commerce Gatekeepers and Protecting Minors
In Parliamentary Question E-002548/2026, submitted on 19 June 2026, Dirk Gotink (PPE) asked the Commission how it will ensure the newly launched TikTok Shop complies with the DMA, and what measures it will take to protect young consumers from addictive design combined with in-app payments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Tackling Distortions from Non-EU E-commerce Platforms
In Parliamentary Question E-001418/26, Dariusz Joński (PPE) raised concerns about non-EU e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu distorting competition for EU hosiery manufacturers. In a response on 1 July 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič highlighted the upcoming customs reform which will abolish the EUR 150 duty exemption and apply a temporary EUR 3 customs duty to low-value e-commerce items from July 2026, aiming to ensure a level playing field.
❗ Commission Monitors Live-Event Ticketing and Considers Digital Fairness Rules
In Parliamentary Question E-001808/26, the Commission was asked about the alleged anti-competitive behaviour of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. In a response on 26 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed that there is currently no ongoing investigation but noted that the Commission is closely monitoring the live-event ticketing sector. The Commission highlighted that the upcoming Digital Fairness Act may introduce specific rules to prohibit hidden fees, drip pricing, and improve transparency for virtual queues.
Media & Publishers
❓ Remuneration for Press Publishers from Digital Platforms
In Parliamentary Question E-002570/2026, submitted on 22 June 2026, Catherine Griset (PfE) asked whether national regulatory authorities will have to base publisher remuneration decisions on proportionality and digital platform data, and if the Commission can guarantee no publisher is excluded due to political positions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Support Measures for SMEs under the AI Act
In Parliamentary Question E-001597/26, Stefano Cavedagna (ECR) and Francesco Torselli (ECR) asked about support measures for SMEs in the creative manufacturing sector under the AI Act. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen noted that the AI Office is preparing guidelines and templates for AI regulatory sandboxes tailored to SMEs. The Commission also highlighted the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) as first points of contact for businesses seeking practical guidance on the AI Act.
❗ Implementation of AI Act Transparency in the Creative Sector
In Parliamentary Question E-000998/26, Lara Magoni (ECR) asked how the Commission will protect the cultural sector from AI-generated fraud and ensure AI Act compliance. In a response on 1 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen pointed to the AI Act’s transparency obligations and the newly published Code of Practice for General Purpose AI (GPAI). The Commission confirmed it is facilitating technical solutions for machine-readable rights reservation and will launch a study on technological safeguards against copyright-infringing AI outputs.
❓ Concerns Over Special Envoy for Industrial AI
In Parliamentary Question E-002410/2026, submitted on 11 June 2026, Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE) and others asked the Commission to assess the risk of conflicts of interest arising from the appointment of Jim Hagemann Snabe (Chairman of Siemens) as Special Envoy for Industrial AI, given Siemens’ ties to US hyperscalers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of the Spotify-UMG AI Music Deal
In Parliamentary Question E-002376/2026, submitted on 9 June 2026, Nicola Zingaretti (S&D) asked whether the Spotify-Universal Music Group (UMG) AI music deal could undermine competition and if the Commission plans to open a formal investigation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Strategic Cooperation and Digital Sovereignty
In Parliamentary Question E-001872/26, the Commission was asked about digital sovereignty and international partnerships. In a response on 29 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that the EU advances a forward-looking vision of digital sovereignty that is not isolationist. The Commission highlighted the EU-Canada Digital Partnership as a framework to intensify research cooperation in emerging technologies, advance regulatory interoperability, and diversify supply chains to avoid over-dependencies.
❗ Assessment of the Prüm International Initiative
In Parliamentary Question E-001765/26, the Commission was asked about the Prüm international initiative. In a response on 3 July 2026, Commissioner Brunner noted that the Commission is assessing the possibility of a ‘Prüm international’ initiative, taking data protection standards and technical factors into account. The Commission mentioned that a public consultation was launched in June 2026 following technical workshops with Member States and agencies like Europol and eu-LISA.
❗ Combating 3D Printed Firearms Using the DSA
In Parliamentary Question E-002008/26, the Commission was asked about controlling firearms and 3D printing blueprints. In a response on 26 June 2026, Commissioner Brunner stated that criminalising the circulation of blueprints makes them illegal content under the DSA, which can be used to tackle dissemination. The Commission also highlighted a proposed Directive to combat firearms trafficking that aims to set up National Firearms Focal Points.
The Commission’s responses suggest a highly coordinated, cross-regulatory approach to digital enforcement, where the DSA, DMA, and consumer protection frameworks are increasingly deployed in tandem to address systemic market risks. The repeated emphasis on active investigative proceedings against major platforms indicates that the Commission frames its role as an assertive market supervisor. By linking issues like deceptive design directly to fraudulent content and systemic risks, the Commission indicates a willingness to leverage its full suite of powers to compel structural changes in algorithmic design and corporate compliance.
Furthermore, the Commission’s robust defence of the European Age Verification Blueprint and the Cloud and AI Development Act positions technological sovereignty as a central tenet of its ongoing strategy. By consistently highlighting zero-knowledge proofs and privacy-by-design principles across multiple answers, the executive branch suggests an intent to build state-backed digital infrastructure that aligns strictly with European fundamental rights, resisting both external dependencies and internal criticisms regarding potential surveillance.
Ultimately, this material reveals that current digital-policy implementation is characterised by a transition into rigorous, technical oversight. It suggests that stakeholders must navigate an administration that prioritises provable, architectural compliance and cross-border regulatory coherence over voluntary, self-regulatory promises.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
