Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and replies published from 31.05.2026 to 07.06.2026. The dominant policy areas include the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the protection of critical digital infrastructure, and the safeguarding of minors online. Throughout these exchanges, the Commission projects a firm institutional tone, positioning itself as a rigorous enforcer of the newly established digital rulebook while simultaneously seeking to balance regulatory oversight with European competitiveness and innovation. For public-affairs and advocacy professionals, these developments matter because they underscore a decisive shift from legislative negotiation to strict compliance monitoring, highlighting the immediate operational and legal expectations placed on technology providers operating within the single market.
DMA Enforcement and Gatekeeper Scrutiny
❗ Commission Monitors Alphabet’s Compliance on App Distribution
In Parliamentary Question E-001411/2026, concerns were raised regarding Google’s forthcoming developer verification process for Android and its potential impact on open-source app distribution. In a response on 5 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed that the Commission is actively engaged in a regulatory dialogue with Alphabet regarding these measures. The Commission emphasized that while gatekeepers can introduce strictly necessary measures to protect hardware integrity, it is diligently monitoring compliance with the Digital Markets Act to ensure alternative app distribution remains effective, remaining prepared to take enforcement action if necessary.
❓ MEPs Press for Non-Compliance Decision Against Google
Through Parliamentary Question E-002071/2026, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew) asked the Commission about the timeline for adopting a non-compliance decision against Google regarding alleged self-preferencing and anti-steering breaches under the Digital Markets Act. The inquiry also questioned how the Commission plans to respond to parliamentary resolutions calling for stronger enforcement against anti-competitive practices by gatekeepers. A response from the Commission is pending.
AI Act Implementation and Compliance
❗ Commission Details AI Act Support and Forthcoming Digital Omnibus
In Parliamentary Question E-001138/2026, the interplay between the Artificial Intelligence Act and existing product safety rules was questioned. In a response on 3 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen highlighted initiatives like the AI Act Service Desk designed to help businesses, particularly small companies, navigate the new rules. Furthermore, the Commission indicated that the proposed Digital Omnibus on AI, expected to be adopted by July 2026, will provide more time for high-risk AI rules to apply and clarify interactions with other frameworks such as the Machinery Regulation.
❗ Staffing and Systemic Risk Mitigation in the AI Office
Addressing Parliamentary Question P-001672/2026 regarding AI safety evaluation, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed in a response on 29 May 2026 that the AI Office currently employs over 140 staff members, with a strong focus on technical and cybersecurity profiles. The Commission noted that Anthropic has committed to the EU General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, and the AI Office is actively engaging with providers to assess internal safety practices, emphasizing that mandatory information requests and model access will take effect once enforcement powers apply in August 2026.
Online Safety and Child Protection
❗ Existing Frameworks Cited to Protect Minors from Influencer Marketing
In Parliamentary Question E-001056/2026, the Commission was asked about shielding children from harmful online environments. In a response on 1 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined that the Digital Services Act already bans profiling-based advertisements using minors’ personal data and requires very large online platforms to mitigate systemic risks. The Commission also noted that the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act will specifically target unfair influencer marketing that exploits young users.
❓ MEPs Highlight Risks of Manipulative Monetisation in Mobile Games
In Parliamentary Question E-002116/2026, Nicolás González Casares and Laura Ballarín Cereza (both S&D) questioned whether gatekeepers and very large online platforms bear responsibility for predatory practices, dark patterns, and simulated gambling in mobile games. The query asks if the Commission will launch coordinated enforcement actions to address systemic risks to minors’ mental and financial health. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Protection of Children from Predators on Gaming Platforms
Through Parliamentary Question E-002037/2026, Luděk Niedermayer (PPE) asked how the EU ensures a higher level of protection for children against sexual predators on platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Discord compared to the United States. A response from the Commission is pending.
Information Integrity and Electoral Processes
❗ Commission Addresses Election Interference and Deepfakes Under DSA and AI Act
In Parliamentary Question E-001318/2026, the Commission was queried on mitigating electoral risks. In a response on 5 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that ongoing DSA investigations into Meta and TikTok encompass information integrity concerns, including incidents in Hungary. The Commission also highlighted that from August 2026, the AI Act will mandate the labelling of deepfakes and AI-generated public interest content, supported by the upcoming European Democracy Shield.
❓ BEUC Complaints Trigger Questions on Ad-Driven Financial Scams
In Parliamentary Question E-002119/2026, Elena Kountoura (The Left) asked the Commission how it will respond to formal complaints submitted by consumer associations regarding the systemic failure of very large online platforms to tackle fraudulent financial advertising. A response from the Commission is pending.
Critical Infrastructure and High-Risk Suppliers
❗ Commission Reasserts Stance on 5G High-Risk Suppliers
Addressing Parliamentary Question E-001490/2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated in a response on 5 June 2026 that the Commission considers Huawei and ZTE to present materially higher cybersecurity risks than other 5G suppliers. The Commission reiterated its support for Member States that restrict or exclude these suppliers, urging full implementation of the EU 5G cybersecurity Toolbox to mitigate vulnerabilities.
❓ Concerns Raised Over Huawei Contracts in Spanish Infrastructure
In Parliamentary Question E-002140/2026, Dolors Montserrat (PPE) asked whether the Commission has requested information from the Spanish Government regarding public contracts awarded to Huawei for railway data networks. The inquiry probes whether awarding sensitive technology contracts to high-risk suppliers aligns with European economic security objectives. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Enhanced Funding for Submarine Cable Security Outlined
In Parliamentary Question E-000944/2026, the Commission was asked about the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. In a response on 5 June 2026, Commissioner Brunner detailed the EU Action Plan on Cable Security and confirmed that the Commission recently launched funding calls, including EUR 20 million€20MCited figure for increasing cable repair capacity in the Baltic Sea and EUR 20 million for deploying smart sensing cables.
Data Sovereignty and Platform Regulation
❓ Potential Dependency on Non-EU Software Providers Questioned
Through Parliamentary Question E-002035/2026, Jonas Sjöstedt and Hanna Gedin (both The Left) asked the Commission if it is appropriate for Member States to rely on proprietary digital tools from non-EU companies like Palantir, citing concerns over data sovereignty and algorithmic transparency in law enforcement contexts. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Probe Impact of EU Regulations on Digital Sovereignty
In Parliamentary Question E-001950/2026, Piotr Müller (ECR) asked the Commission to justify its focus on external technological threats while questioning whether rigid internal regulations contribute to a loss of competitiveness. The inquiry seeks to know if a comprehensive review of digital regulations is planned to foster a more favourable environment for European tech companies. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Study Launched on Geo-Blocking for Audiovisual Content
In Parliamentary Question E-001308/2026, the Commission was questioned about access to content for linguistic minorities. In a response on 3 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that the Commission will launch a study to analyse the benefits and risks of extending the scope of the Geo-blocking Regulation to audiovisual services, adopting a gradual approach that considers specific distribution models.
Digital Finance and Crypto-Assets
❓ Long-Term Strategy for Decentralised Finance and MiCA Implementation
In Parliamentary Question E-002147/2026, Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew) asked the Commission what additional regulatory measures are planned post-MiCA to manage systemic risks associated with decentralised finance and stablecoins. The inquiry also addresses the potential establishment of a pan-European taxation framework for crypto-assets. A response from the Commission is pending.
Health Data and Medical Devices
❓ Safeguards for SMEs in the European Health Data Space
Through Parliamentary Question E-002065/2026, Piotr Müller (ECR) asked how the Commission will ensure that certification costs for the European Health Data Space do not burden SMEs. The question also probes the mechanisms intended to prevent entities from countries lacking EU-equivalent democratic standards from utilizing European citizens’ health data. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Transparency of Clinical Data for Continuous Glucose Monitors
In Parliamentary Question E-002029/2026, András Tivadar Kulja (PPE) asked the Commission how it intends to ensure that the EUDAMED database provides transparent and clinically relevant performance data for continuous glucose monitoring systems. A response from the Commission is pending.
Funding European Competitiveness
❗ Commission Outlines Synergies Between Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe
In Parliamentary Question E-000816/2026, the structural coordination of research funding was questioned. In a response on 2 June 2026, Commissioner Zaharieva explained that the European Competitiveness Fund and the proposed Framework Programme 10 will have closely coordinated programming. While maintaining separate budgetary envelopes, the programmes will mirror policy windows to ensure a seamless investment journey from research to market deployment.
❗ Scaleup Europe Fund Targets Deep Tech with Private Management
Addressing Parliamentary Question E-000950/2026, Commissioner Zaharieva stated in a response on 2 June 2026 that the Scaleup Europe Fund will utilize a EUR 1 billion€1BCited figure EU contribution to target up to EUR 4 billion in private investment for strategic sectors like AI and quantum. The Commission emphasized that an independent private fund manager will make investment decisions based on market standards, avoiding direct political involvement.
❓ The Letta Report and the Fifth Freedom of Movement
In Parliamentary Question E-002190/2026, several MEPs asked the Commission what initiatives it intends to pursue to formally enshrine a fifth freedom of movement for research, innovation, and data in the single market, as proposed by the Letta report. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Fundamental Rights Safeguards in AI Research Funding
In Parliamentary Question E-000810/2026, the Commission was asked about ethical standards in funded projects. In a response on 1 June 2026, Commissioner Zaharieva confirmed that all Horizon Europe projects, including those addressing AI biases, undergo a rigorous ethics review process to ensure compliance with human rights and gender equality provisions.
Border Management and Law Enforcement
❗ AI and Surveillance Tech Deployed for Border Management
In Parliamentary Question E-001367/2026, the Commission was queried on countering migrant smuggling. In a response on 4 June 2026, Commissioner Brunner noted that Frontex deploys drones and surveillance systems based on operational needs. The Commission confirmed that the deployment of such technologies will be subject to the AI Act’s obligations for high-risk systems, including fundamental rights impact assessments.
❗ Platform Work Directive Expected to Curb Undeclared Labor
In Parliamentary Question E-001629/2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu explained in a response on 3 June 2026 that the new directive on platform work introduces identity verification and transparency provisions. These measures are designed to address employment misclassification and undeclared work involving undocumented migrants in the delivery sector.
Political Transparency and Democratic Rules
❓ Inquiries into Political Advertising Regulation Compliance Costs
Through Parliamentary Questions E-002184/2026 and E-002185/2026, Regina Doherty (PPE) asked the Commission about the compliance burden that the Regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising imposes on national political parties. The inquiries also question the extent of organizational consultation undertaken. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Commission Monitors Political Party Financing Reforms
In Parliamentary Question E-001128/2026, the Commission was asked about oversight of political funding. In a response on 1 June 2026, Commissioner McGrath clarified that while the Commission lacks general power to intervene in national party financing, it monitors such developments via the annual Rule of Law Report and will explore issues like cryptocurrency donations under the European Democracy Shield.
❗ European Media Freedom Act Applied to National Reforms
Addressing Parliamentary Question P-001516/2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen briefly confirmed in a response on 29 May 2026 that the Commission monitors national media reforms for compatibility with the European Media Freedom Act and incorporates these assessments into its Rule of Law reporting.
❓ Concerns Over NGO Funding Transparency in Romania
In Parliamentary Question E-002121/2026, Nicolae Ștefănuță (Verts/ALE) asked if a Romanian legislative proposal requiring NGOs to publish donor identities is compatible with the GDPR and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Montenegro Urged to Align Data Protection Laws with EU Acquis
In Parliamentary Question E-001013/2026, Commissioner Kos confirmed in a response on 4 June 2026 that Montenegro’s internal affairs and national security laws are not yet fully aligned with the GDPR and the Law Enforcement Directive. The Commission is assisting Montenegro with comprehensive data protection reforms necessary for accession.
❓ Italian E-Commerce Rules for Theme Parks Questioned
In Parliamentary Question E-002124/2026, several MEPs asked if Italian legislation requiring foreign online ticketing platforms to obtain prior approval from the revenue agency violates the country of origin principle under the e-commerce directive. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Algorithm Use in Italian Prisons Under Scrutiny
In Parliamentary Question E-002115/2026, Pina Picierno (S&D) asked the Commission to assess whether the algorithmic calculation of detention space in Italian prisons violates fundamental rights by artificially altering capacity metrics. A response from the Commission is pending.
A structural analysis of the Commission’s responses reveals a distinct transition from establishing digital policy frameworks to operationalising their enforcement. The replies indicate a strong institutional focus on holding gatekeepers and very large online platforms accountable, particularly through the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. The Commission frames its regulatory approach not merely as a compliance exercise but as a necessary mechanism to mitigate systemic risks—ranging from electoral interference and deepfakes to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in 5G networks and border management systems.
Simultaneously, the material suggests a concentrated effort to balance stringent oversight with industrial competitiveness. The Commission positions instruments like the Scaleup Europe Fund and the European Competitiveness Fund as market-driven tools designed to attract private capital to strategic deep-tech sectors, insulating investment decisions from political interference. This dual narrative—assertive regulation coupled with targeted innovation funding—indicates that the Commission views digital sovereignty not as isolationism, but as achieving structural resilience through secure infrastructure and competitive European scale-ups.
Ultimately, these exchanges reveal a regulatory environment where the burden of proof is increasingly shifting onto technology providers. Whether addressing AI system safety, app store distribution, or the protection of minors online, the Commission’s posture confirms that rigorous auditing, transparent risk assessments, and robust enforcement actions will define the next phase of digital policy implementation in the single market.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
