Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission replies published from 02.03.2026 to 08.03.2026. The key policy areas addressed include the use of digital tools in foreign policy, specifically sanctions related to internet censorship and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the Commission’s approach to data collection standards for environmental and cartographic purposes. The institutional tone from the Commission is methodical and legally grounded, emphasizing adherence to existing frameworks, ongoing analysis, and the division of competences with Member States. These developments matter for digital-policy professionals as they illustrate the Commission’s cautious, process-driven approach to internal data policy development, contrasted with its assertive use of digital and technological levers in its geopolitical strategy.
❗ Commission Outlines Sanctions on Iran, Citing Internet Censorship and UAVs
In a response on 2 March 2026, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas detailed the EU’s reaction to recent violence in Iran. The answer to E-000079/26 highlights a political agreement to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and new restrictive measures targeting individuals and entities involved in repression and internet censoring. The Commission also notes sanctions related to Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression, with a specific focus on the state-sponsored development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), underscoring a readiness to use targeted sanctions while keeping diplomatic channels open.
❗ Commission Defers Decision on Data Collection for Illegally Sourced Wildlife
Responding on behalf of the Commission on 2 March 2026, Ms Roswall stated that the institution is currently analysing the findings of an exploratory feasibility study on illegally sourced wildlife. The answer to E-000078/26 clarifies that no decisions have been made regarding potential proposals for data collection or criminalisation. The Commission emphasizes that any future work must be consistent with ongoing efforts on electronic permitting and customs systems and commits to continued dialogue with all relevant stakeholders throughout the process.
❗ Commission Defends Its Cartographic Standards While Citing Member State Competence in Education
In a reply dated 2 March 2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis addressed the Commission’s practices for cartographic visualisations. The response to E-000136/26 explains that the Commission uses internationally agreed standards and authoritative geospatial data, specifically the European Lambert azimuthal equal-area projection (EPSG:3035), to preserve areas and minimize distortion for European territories. While acknowledging global geopolitical discussions on equitable projections, the Commission asserts that under Article 165 TFEU, responsibility for the content of teaching and educational materials, including the choice of maps, lies exclusively with the Member States.
The Commission’s answers from this period suggest a clear delineation between its internal policy development processes and its external action strategy. In domestic-facing issues, such as data collection for wildlife trafficking and the use of cartographic standards, the Commission positions itself as a methodical and cautious actor. It emphasizes reliance on feasibility studies, stakeholder consultation, and adherence to existing technical and legal frameworks, indicating that decisions on new data-related measures will be process-driven and not rushed.
Conversely, the reply concerning Iran demonstrates the Commission’s readiness to use digital and technological issues as direct instruments of foreign policy. The explicit mention of sanctions targeting internet censoring and the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) frames digital governance and tech proliferation not as abstract policy areas but as critical components of the EU’s geopolitical toolkit. This reveals a dual approach: a measured, evidence-based posture for internal policy formulation and a more assertive, reactive stance when digital elements intersect with international security and human rights.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
