Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and European Commission replies published beween Monday 8 and Sunday 14 December 2025. Key policy areas under scrutiny include the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly concerning the protection of minors, platform accountability for illegal content, and the potential designation of new Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) like WhatsApp and ChatGPT. Other significant topics include the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the operationalisation of the European Democracy Shield to combat disinformation, data governance under the GDPR and Data Act, and the strategic push for industrial competitiveness through initiatives like the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. The Commission’s responses consistently project a focus on enforcing existing legal frameworks, clarifying the boundaries of its mandate, and linking digital policy to the broader goals of economic security and strategic autonomy. These developments offer crucial insights for digital-policy professionals into the EU’s current enforcement priorities and its strategic direction in the digital and geopolitical spheres.
DSA Enforcement & Platform Accountability
❗Commission Outlines DSA Framework for Combating Online Gender-Based Violence
In a reply dated 9 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen addressed concerns about the sharing of non-consensual images of women online. The Commission highlighted that under the Digital Services Act (DSA), platforms must promptly remove illegal content upon notification. The response to question E-003638/2025 also noted that Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) have enhanced obligations to mitigate systemic risks like gender-based violence. The Commission underscored that while it cannot order content removal, national authorities can, and these actions are coordinated through the European Board for Digital Services.
❗Commission Confirms Active DSA Investigations into Online Marketplaces
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed on 11 December 2025 that the protection of minors and consumers online are priorities, with multiple ongoing DSA proceedings. In response to question P-004467/2025, the Commission detailed its investigations into AliExpress and Temu for the dissemination of illegal goods, and noted it had sent requests for information to Shein regarding similar issues, including the sale of child-like sex dolls. The Commission stated it employs 183 staff for DSA enforcement and is pushing ahead with all open proceedings while respecting due process.
❓ MEPs Press Commission on VLOP Algorithms and Foreign Interference
A broad coalition of MEPs, led by Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE), submitted an oral question (O-000044/2025) on 2 December 2025 concerning the systemic risks posed by recommendation systems on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The question highlights how engagement-based algorithms can amplify disinformation and foreign interference, potentially breaching Articles 34 and 35 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The MEPs ask when the Commission will investigate these practices and take measures to ensure platform algorithms comply with the DSA ahead of upcoming European elections. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Urge Use of Court Documents as Evidence of Systemic Risk Under DSA
In a priority question (P-004782/2025) submitted on 3 December 2025, Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE) asked the Commission about using recent court filings against Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube as evidence of systemic risks under the Digital Services Act. The documents reportedly show the platforms knowingly designed addictive features harmful to users, particularly teens. The question asks if the Commission will obtain and use these documents in its assessments and what the timeline is for potential enforcement actions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question DSA Enforcement on Sale of Child Sexual Abuse Materials
Gabriela Firea (S&D) submitted a question (E-004398/2025) on 6 November 2025 regarding the sale of sexualised dolls resembling children on online marketplaces like Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish. The question highlights this as a failure to prevent illegal content under the Digital Services Act. It asks what steps the Commission will take to strengthen coordination between Digital Services Coordinators, Europol, and national authorities to create a rapid alert and removal mechanism for such material. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Probe Risks of WhatsApp Channels and Potential VLOP Designation
Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew) asked the Commission in a question (E-004713/2025) on 27 November 2025 about the risks posed to minors by WhatsApp Channels. Citing WhatsApp’s user numbers exceeding the DSA threshold, the question queries whether the platform has been formally designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) and if the Commission is examining the specific risks of its ‘Channels’ feature. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Seek Clarity on ChatGPT’s Designation Under the DSA
In a question (E-004826/2025) submitted on 4 December 2025, a group of MEPs led by Sergey Lagodinsky (Verts/ALE) pressed the Commission on the potential designation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT as a VLOP or VLOSE under the Digital Services Act. Citing user numbers far exceeding the DSA threshold for its search feature alone, the MEPs ask for the timeline of the designation assessment and how the rules will apply to a multifunctional AI tool, warning against regulatory gaps. A response from the Commission is pending.
DMA Implementation
❓ MEP Questions Balance Between DMA Openness and Cybersecurity
Piotr Müller (ECR) raised concerns in a question (E-004795/2025) on 3 December 2025 about the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The question suggests that requiring operating system providers to allow uncertified third-party applications could undermine security and expose users to cyberattacks. It asks the Commission on what evidence it based its decision to prioritise regulatory requirements over cybersecurity risks and who would be responsible for security breaches resulting from DMA-mandated changes. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over DMA Interoperability Rules
In a question (E-004598/2025) submitted on 18 November 2025, Maria Guzenina (S&D) asked the Commission how it will ensure the Digital Markets Act’s interoperability obligations do not unintentionally weaken privacy or security protections. The question suggests that rigid enforcement could penalise gatekeepers aiming for higher standards and asks what steps the Commission will take to encourage open dialogue and proportionate enforcement. A response from the Commission is pending.
Political Advertising & European Democracy Shield
❗Commission Frames Platforms’ Political Ad Ban as a ‘Commercial Decision’
Responding to a question (E-003935/2025) from Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew) about Meta and Alphabet banning political advertising, Commissioner McGrath clarified the Commission’s position on 9 December 2025. The reply stated that the Regulation on transparency and targeting of political advertising (TTPA) does not ban political ads but sets common transparency standards. The Commission noted it has adopted guidelines to support implementation and framed the companies’ decisions to discontinue these services as purely commercial, while acknowledging concerns from civil society and committing to continued discussion.
❗Commission Positions Democracy Shield as Key Tool to Foster Secure Societies
In a broad response on 8 December 2025 to a question on EU priorities, President von der Leyen positioned the European Democracy Shield as a core initiative to safeguard democracy. The answer to E-003687/2025 stated the Shield counters foreign information manipulation and enhances media literacy, working in conjunction with the Media Freedom, Digital Services, and Artificial Intelligence Acts to foster secure and informed societies.
❗Commission Details Role of European Centre for Democratic Resilience
On 9 December 2025, Commissioner McGrath provided details on the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a key component of the European Democracy Shield. The reply to question E-003823/2025 explained that the Centre will facilitate information sharing, support operational cooperation, and build capacity to withstand threats like foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). It will function as a hub for Member States, EU institutions, and a Stakeholder Platform for non-institutional actors.
❗Commission Confirms GPS Interference on President’s Flight, Links to FIMI Strategy
In a reply dated 10 December 2025, President von der Leyen confirmed that the aircraft carrying her to Bulgaria experienced GPS interference, an incident verified by Bulgarian authorities. The response to question E-003391/2025 situated this within the broader context of addressing foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), stating the Commission’s approach involves addressing systemic risks on very large online platforms and promoting access to reliable information.
❓ MEPs Question Scope and Subsidiarity of European Democracy Shield
Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR) submitted a question (E-004717/2025) on 28 November 2025, raising concerns that the European Democracy Shield could over-extend EU competences into national prerogatives like elections and media regulation. The question asks for guarantees that the new Centre for Democratic Resilience will not supervise national processes and how the Commission will ensure its interventions do not affect media pluralism. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Allege Lack of Media Pluralism, Citing Democracy Shield Objectives
A group of MEPs led by Pascale Piera (PfE) submitted a question (E-004841/2025) on 5 December 2025, alleging a lack of political pluralism at Radio France. The question links this concern to the objectives of the European Democracy Shield and the Media Freedom Act, which require political neutrality from public media. It asks the Commission if it is aware of evaluations showing this imbalance and how it will ensure public media in Member States respect pluralism. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Rejects Financing for Parental Control AI Model
In a reply on 12 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that the Commission currently does not consider financing the development of a parental control artificial intelligence (AI) model. The response to question E-003837/2025 pointed to the existing strong framework for protecting children online, including the DSA and the Better Internet for Kids+ strategy. It also noted that DSA guidelines encourage platforms to explore AI for moderation purposes and set requirements for parental controls, but with specific safeguards.
❗Commission Has No Plans to Mandate AI in Vehicle Inspections
Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated on 8 December 2025 that the Commission has no intention of making the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) compulsory in vehicle technical inspections. The brief reply to question E-003818/2025 also clarified that the Commission has not adopted a position on AI ethics or certification standards for inspectors and has no plans to finance related pilot projects.
❓MEPs Ask About Future Legislation on Algorithmic Management at Work
In an oral question (O-000045/2025) from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, submitted on 4 December 2025, MEPs asked the Commission about its plans for a new European Pillar of Social Rights action plan. Among other issues, the question explicitly asks if the Commission will propose legislation on algorithmic management in the workplace to ensure fair labour mobility and decent working conditions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Highlights GDPR and Data Act Safeguards for International Data Transfers
On 11 December 2025, Commissioner McGrath outlined the legal framework protecting data held by EU companies from third-country government access. The response to question E-003208/2025 specified that the GDPR governs personal data transfers, requiring a legal basis and compliance with Chapter V rules, with national data protection authorities responsible for enforcement. For non-personal data, the reply highlighted Article 32 of the Data Act, which requires cloud providers to adopt safeguards against unlawful access by non-EU governments.
❗Commission Confirms GNSS Interference, Outlines Resilience Measures
In a reply on 12 December 2025, Commissioner Kubilius confirmed that the aircraft carrying the Commission President to Bulgaria experienced GPS interference, noting an increase in such incidents in eastern flank Member States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The response to question E-003449/2025 stated that EASA has issued guidance to maintain aviation safety. The Commission is also exploring measures to strengthen the resilience of the EU’s own Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), including deploying new Galileo services and reinforcing it with a Low Earth Orbits component, as proposed in the European Competitiveness Fund.
❗Commission Assesses Digital Solutions for Urban Vehicle Access Rules
Commissioner Tzitzikostas responded on 8 December 2025 to a question regarding urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs), such as low emission zones. The reply to E-003461/2025 emphasized that UVAR design is a Member State responsibility under the subsidiarity principle. However, the Commission noted it has conducted a study on digital solutions to demonstrate compliance with access rules, including a potential EU Digital Wallet-based solution, which is currently under assessment for future policy initiatives.
❓MEPs Flag Lack of Rules for Digital Traceability in Fisheries
Asger Christensen (Renew) raised concerns in a question (E-004712/2025) on 27 November 2025 about the planned entry into force of a digital traceability requirement for fisheries in January 2026. The question argues the system cannot work as the necessary technical specifications and standards do not yet exist. It asks if the Commission will postpone the entry into force to prevent chaos and undue burdens on businesses. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Call for Digitalisation of CAP Subsidy Controls in Greece
In a question (E-004298/2025) submitted on 3 November 2025, Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) highlighted recurring problems in Greece with the management of European agricultural subsidies. The question asks if the Commission envisages technical and financial support for the digitalisation of control procedures and data sharing with European supervisory mechanisms to increase transparency and ensure subsidies reach genuine producers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Explains European Competitiveness Fund’s Structure and Benefits
On 12 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné provided details on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The reply to question E-004173/2025 clarified that the ECF will support projects in strategic sectors to build the EU’s competitive edge and does not include dedicated national funding envelopes. The Commission emphasized that businesses, including SMEs from countries like Poland, will benefit from a simplified framework and a full toolbox of financial instruments like grants, guarantees, and loans.
❗Commission Clarifies Third-Country Participation in Horizon Europe Defence Research
Commissioner Zaharieva clarified on 10 December 2025 the rules for third-country participation in the future Horizon Europe Programme (2028-2034). The response to question E-004265/2025 stated that for activities supporting innovation in critical technologies with defence applications, entities from third countries would only be eligible for funding if their country is associated with the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) for defence activities. International cooperation remains a cornerstone, but carefully designed research security provisions will apply where justified.
❗Commission Affirms Positive Performance of EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities
In a reply dated 8 December 2025, Commissioner Zaharieva addressed the role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). The response to P-003992/2025 highlighted that the KICs are fully aligned with EU priorities like the digital and green transitions. The Commission noted that the mid-term evaluation of Horizon Europe assessed the KICs’ performance positively and that it will reassess provisions concerning them during the review of the EIT legal framework, due by the end of 2026.
❗Commission Highlights Horizon Europe Research on AI’s Labour Market Impact
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu, in a reply on 8 December 2025 concerning corporate restructuring, noted the Commission’s commitment to strengthening research on the impact of AI on skills and the labour market. The response to question E-003848/2025 pointed to Horizon Europe as a key instrument, mentioning that the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience will provide further funding opportunities on issues like the future of work and the impact of new technologies.
❗Commission Details Use of Copernicus and Horizon Europe for Wildfire Monitoring
On 12 December 2025, Commissioner Kubilius explained how the EU’s Copernicus earth observation system is used for wildfire management. The reply to question E-004046/2025 detailed that the Commission is working to ensure service continuity by integrating new data and replacing satellites with next-generation technology. The response also highlighted that Horizon Europe supports the evolution of Copernicus services and innovation in wildfire monitoring technologies.
❓MEPs Propose AI and Cleantech Fellowships to Boost EU Research
Bruno Gonçalves (S&D) submitted a priority question (P-004746/2025) on 1 December 2025 aimed at boosting the EU’s competitiveness in key sectors. The question asks if the Commission is considering setting up a fellowship specifically focused on artificial intelligence and cleantech to attract and retain top researchers in Europe. It also suggests amending the EU Blue Card Directive to create a green pathway for highly qualified researchers into the private sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Question Exclusion of Hungarian Universities from EU Research Programmes
In a question (E-004698/2025) submitted on 26 November 2025, Milan Zver (PPE) challenged the exclusion of 21 Hungarian universities from the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. The question asks the Commission on what basis it determined that the governance structures of these universities constituted a rule-of-law breach affecting the EU budget and whether any specific instances of mismanagement were identified. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Highlights Coordinated Customs Controls and DSA Cases Against Non-EU Marketplaces
In a reply on 8 December 2025, Commissioner Šefčovič addressed discrepancies in Member States’ controls on products entering the EU. The response to question E-003597/2025 mentioned that the Commission is coordinating customs controls with market surveillance authorities and that findings will inform the revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation, focusing on enforcement against non-EU marketplaces. The Commission also noted its ongoing Digital Services Act cases, citing a preliminary finding that Temu breached the DSA in relation to illegal products.
❗Commission Outlines Global Gateway Strategy Principles
Commissioner Síkela, in a reply dated 11 December 2025, outlined the principles of the Global Gateway programme. The response to question E-004113/2025 described the initiative as a ‘win-win strategy’ to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors globally. It highlighted guiding principles such as democratic values, good governance, transparency, and catalysing private sector investment, with projects subject to strict EU budget rules.
❓MEPs Ask for Commission Response to Chinese Critical Raw Materials Restrictions
Jan Farský (PPE) submitted a question (E-004787/2025) on 3 December 2025 regarding China’s recent export restrictions on critical raw materials essential for semiconductors, batteries, and defence. The question asks how the Commission assesses the compatibility of these measures with WTO rules, what steps it is taking to secure alternative supplies under the Critical Raw Materials Act, and whether it plans additional industrial or trade defence measures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Probe Commission’s Knowledge of Dutch Nexperia Decision
In a priority question (P-004696/2025) from 26 November 2025, Dirk Gotink (PPE) asked the Commission about its awareness of the Dutch decision to freeze the activities of chip company Nexperia, which prompted a Chinese export ban. The question seeks to know when the Commission was informed and requests access to all related documents and correspondence. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Raise Concerns Over Governance of Chinese Companies in the EU
A group of ECR MEPs led by Paolo Inselvini submitted a question (E-004818/2025) on 4 December 2025 about Chinese-controlled companies operating in strategic sectors within the EU. The question alleges these companies fail to uphold European standards on transparency, governance, and supply chain traceability, potentially distorting competition. It asks if the Commission will introduce binding requirements for non-EU companies similar to those for European ones. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Question Strategy on Chinese Investment in Critical Infrastructure
Piotr Müller (ECR) asked the Commission in a question (E-0048102025) on 4 December 2025 about the growing presence of Chinese companies in European strategic infrastructure. The question highlights the geopolitical significance and asks if the Commission intends to propose specific restrictions on Chinese investment in critical infrastructure, how it will differentiate its policy towards China versus allied partners, and what instruments it will use to reduce China’s influence. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEP Questions Unequal Customs Treatment for Asian Low-Cost Suppliers
In a priority question (P-004641/2025) from 20 November 2025, Angelika Niebler (PPE) asked the Commission what measures it is taking to eliminate the unequal treatment of EU importers compared to Chinese platforms like Temu or Shein regarding customs policy and anti-dumping duties. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Warn of Market Impact if Signal Exits EU Over ‘Chat Control’
Marieke Ehlers (PfE) submitted a question (E-004671/2025) on 22 November 2025 regarding the potential consequences of messaging service Signal leaving the European market in response to proposed ‘chat control’ regulations. The question asks about the impact on competition, how such a regulation can be reconciled with the IT security advice of EU institutions, and what guarantees the Commission can offer against abuse of the required ‘back door’. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Challenge Centralisation of Competition Policy
In a question (E-004794/2025) dated 3 December 2025, Piotr Müller (ECR) questioned the Commission’s reported consideration of centralising competition rule enforcement in Brussels. The question argues that Member States have a better understanding of their local markets and that centralisation would weaken the protection of SMEs, which form the backbone of the EU economy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Raise Competition Concerns Over Music Industry Merger
Nikola Minchev (Renew) asked the Commission in a question (E-004716/2025) on 28 November 2025 about the intended acquisition of Downtown Music by Universal Music Group. Citing the Commission’s ongoing phase-two investigation, the question asks how cultural diversity would be affected by market concentration and how the Commission will ensure a fair and diverse music market for European businesses, consumers, and artists. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Demand Action on Alleged Predatory Pricing in Payment Services
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Nikos Papandreou (S&D) submitted a question (E-004808/2025) on 4 December 2025 regarding anti-competitive practices in the payment services industry. Citing ongoing Commission cases against Visa and Mastercard concerning ‘scheme fees’, the MEPs ask for an update on the investigation and whether any new finding of predatory pricing would be treated as a violation of the companies’ 2019 commitments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓MEPs Seek Simplification of Tax Information Exchange Rules
Lídia Pereira (PPE) and Paulo Cunha (PPE) submitted a question (E-004813/2025) on 4 December 2025 following the Commission’s evaluation of the Directive on administrative cooperation in taxation (DAC). Noting that the report identified implementation shortcomings and high costs, the MEPs ask if the Commission will present a legislative initiative to address these issues and how it intends to pursue simplification of the DAC framework. A response from the Commission is pending.
The Commission’s replies in this period consistently frame its role as an enforcer of recently enacted legislation, particularly the DSA. Answers regarding online marketplaces (P-004467/2025) and non-consensual image sharing (E-003638/2025) highlight ongoing proceedings and the robust obligations on VLOPs. This suggests a clear institutional shift from legislative development to practical implementation, with a strong emphasis on due process and coordination with national authorities. The Commission also carefully delineates its powers, noting it cannot directly order content removal but relies on national judicial orders to trigger platform action.
A second cross-cutting theme is the emphasis on bolstering the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. This is evident in replies concerning the new European Competitiveness Fund (E-004173/2025), the resilience of satellite navigation systems against interference (E-003449/2025), and the Global Gateway programme (E-004113/2025). The Commission positions these initiatives as integrated tools to secure supply chains, foster innovation in key sectors like AI and defence, and project EU standards globally. This narrative connects digital policy directly to broader geopolitical and economic security objectives, framing digital sovereignty as a cornerstone of the EU’s global standing.
Finally, in several responses, the Commission clarifies the limits of its regulatory scope and defers to market dynamics where appropriate. Regarding platforms discontinuing political advertising services, it explicitly labels this a ‘commercial decision’ outside the direct purview of the TTPA regulation (E-003935/2025). Similarly, it states it has no power to intervene in corporate restructuring (E-003848/2025) or mandate the use of AI in specific sectors like vehicle inspections (E-003818/2025). This indicates a clear intention to operate within established legal boundaries, using existing frameworks like GDPR and the Data Act to address new challenges (E-003208/2025) rather than expanding its mandate without new legislation, thereby providing a degree of regulatory predictability.
