Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission replies published between 15–21 December 2025. The key policy areas under discussion include the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the intersection of the AI Act with copyright law, the rollout of the European Digital Identity Wallet, and the strategic purpose of the European Democracy Shield. The Commission consistently positions itself as a diligent enforcer of established legal frameworks, emphasizing procedural correctness, the voluntary nature of new digital tools, and the careful balancing of innovation with fundamental rights. These developments are critical for digital policy professionals as they signal the EU’s operational priorities in the post-legislative phase, focusing on compliance, market impact, and safeguarding democratic values in the digital sphere.
Digital Services Act (DSA) & Media Freedom
❗ Commission Clarifies DSA Scope, Citing Enforcement Action on Complaint Handling
In a response on 17 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen clarified that video game services do not fall under the scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission affirmed its commitment to monitoring Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) for compliance with DSA rules on complaint handling, referencing in E-004287/2025 the investigation against AliExpress which resulted in binding commitments to ensure human interaction in its systems. The reply underscores that supervision of smaller providers is the exclusive responsibility of Member State Digital Services Coordinators.
❗ Commission Outlines DSA Guidelines for Protecting Minors Online
The Commission is prioritizing the protection of children online, as detailed by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen in a reply on 19 December 2025. The response to E-004100/2025 highlights the DSA guidelines which recommend measures like hiding children’s personal data from unconnected accounts. A review of these guidelines is planned for 2026, and the Commission is also convening an expert panel to advise on a potential EU-level digital age of majority for social media, signaling a proactive stance on evolving digital safety challenges for young users.
❗ Commission Details EMFA Implementation and Media Support Mechanisms
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, in a reply on 15 December 2025, confirmed that the effective implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is a priority. The Commission is engaging in dialogue with all Member States to align national frameworks with EMFA rules on media ownership transparency and market concentrations, as stated in E-003977/2025. While primary responsibility lies with Member States, the Commission supports the sector through State aid rules, Creative Europe funding, and initiatives like Journalism Partnerships to foster financial independence and innovation.
❗ Commission Defends Funding for Fact-Checkers, Citing Transparency Rules
Responding to questions about EU funding for media, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated on 16 December 2025 that the European Media Freedom Act does not provide for direct EU funding to media service providers. However, as detailed in E-004102/2025, the EU provides modest financial support (around EUR 50 million annually) through open calls with transparent criteria. The Commission emphasized its support for stringent integrity standards for fact-checking entities, noting that beneficiaries are listed on the Financial Transparency System and must adhere to self-regulatory standards ensuring non-partisanship and impartiality.
❓ MEPs Press Commission on DSA’s Role in Prosecuting Lawful Speech
MEP Christine Anderson (ESN) submitted a priority question on 10 December 2025, alleging the Commission failed to substantively answer a previous query about EU-supported ‘hate speech’ reporting systems. The new question, P-004901/2025, presses the Commission to confirm if EU funding or DSA mechanisms support national reporting offices that may lead to criminal procedures against lawful speech. It asks how the Commission ensures such structures do not facilitate state-driven censorship. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question Use of AI for Content Moderation and Reporting
In a question submitted on 2 December 2025, MEPs including Catherine Griset (PfE) raised concerns about the right to challenge content removal under the DSA. Citing Commission investigations into TikTok and Meta, E-004764/2025 asks if the Commission will require platforms to use AI to more accurately detect illegal content, reduce malicious reporting, and identify improper removal requests from authorities or trusted flaggers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question Neutrality of ‘Trusted Media’ Labels
A group of MEPs led by Catherine Griset (PfE) submitted a question on 10 December 2025 regarding the qualification of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to apply a trusted media label. The question, E-004899/2025, alleges bias by RSF and asks if the Commission will protect the press from labels issued by biased NGOs and whether it intends to suspend its financial support to the organization. A response from the Commission is pending.
AI & Copyright
❗ Commission to Study AI-Generated Content and Copyright Infringement
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed on 17 December 2025 that the Commission will launch a study on the legal challenges of AI-generated outputs and the use of technology to prevent copyright infringement. The reply to E-004239/2025 reiterates that AI systems placed on the EU market must comply with existing frameworks, including the AI Act, copyright law, and the Digital Services Act. The Commission also noted that high-risk AI systems are subject to specific requirements like human oversight, with supervision handled by independent authorities.
Child Safety Online
❗ Commission Defends Proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation
In a reply on 17 December 2025, Commissioner Brunner defended the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. The response to E-003645/2025 states the proposal is based on a thorough impact assessment and includes safeguards to balance all fundamental rights. The Commission emphasized that detection orders would be targeted, issued by a judicial or independent authority, and subject to necessity and proportionality assessments, as it supports the co-legislators in finding a common approach.
❗ Commission Highlights Role of Tech Companies in Detecting Child Abuse Material
Commissioner Brunner, on 18 December 2025, underscored the importance of measures to combat child sexual abuse online. In the answer to E-003835/2025, the Commission stated its proposals do not permit mass surveillance but rely on targeted detection. The reply highlights that communications companies are key actors capable of detecting such material, noting that the current voluntary system has been essential for rescuing victims and arresting perpetrators for over a decade.
European Democracy Shield
❗ Commission Defends European Democracy Shield’s Purpose and Consultation Process
In two separate but similar replies on 15 December 2025, Commissioner McGrath addressed concerns about the European Democracy Shield. The answers to E-004272/2025 and E-004274/2025 assert that the initiative aims to strengthen, not restrict, democratic resilience, political pluralism, and freedom of expression. The Commission emphasized that the Shield was prepared through wide consultations with Member States, the Parliament, and civil society, and it does not confer new supervisory powers on the Commission.
❓ MEP Questions Purpose of European Democracy Shield
MEP Erik Kaliňák (NI) submitted a question on 3 December 2025 challenging the intent behind the European Democracy Shield. The query, E-004801/2025, suggests the initiative could be a tool to fund ideologically motivated NGOs that undermine conservative governments. The MEP asks how the Commission will prevent misuse of funds and whether the Shield complies with EU Treaties prohibiting interference in Member States’ internal affairs. A response from the Commission is pending.
Fundamental Rights & Equality
❗ Commission Affirms Monitoring of EU Funding for Anti-Hate Speech Projects
Commissioner McGrath, on 15 December 2025, outlined the principles governing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme. The reply to E-004198/2025 confirms that the International Network Against Cyber Hate (INACH) received a grant following an evaluation by independent experts. The Commission stated that all grants are closely monitored, and funds can be recovered for breaches of EU values, but monitoring of INACH’s grant has not revealed any such breach.
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Equality Data Collection Under GDPR
In a reply on 15 December 2025, Commissioner McGrath reiterated the importance of equality data for monitoring the realization of EU values. The answer to E-004191/2025 stresses that any collection of personal data must be lawful, fair, transparent, necessary, and proportionate under data protection legislation. The Commission highlighted the ‘do no harm’ principle, ensuring data collection does not reinforce discrimination and is used for the benefit of the groups described.
❗ Commission Addresses Gender Stereotypes in Digital Tools and Education
On 17 December 2025, Commissioner Lahbib detailed the Commission’s actions to tackle gender stereotypes. The response to E-003599/2025 highlights the #EndGenderStereotypes campaign and the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, which recognizes the need for digital tools designed with gender equality in mind. The Commission plans to adopt a new Gender Equality Strategy in 2026 and will enhance work on tackling gender segregation in STEM and education.
❗ Commission Confirms European Digital Identity Wallet is Voluntary
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, in a reply on 17 December 2025, firmly stated that the use of the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet is voluntary. The answer to P-004426/2025 clarifies that Regulation (EU) 910/2014 ensures citizens who choose not to use the wallet will not be disadvantaged, and Member States must maintain alternative identification channels. The Commission also noted that the wallet strengthens personal data protection and its issuance does not require the use of personal numbers, which remains at the discretion of Member States under GDPR rules.
❗ Commission Explores EUDI Wallet for Digital Health Insurance Card
The Commission is considering the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet for a digitalised European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as part of the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) initiative. In a reply on 15 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu explained in E-004243/2025 that this is one approach being examined following pilot projects. The Commission assured that the EUDI Wallet is designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities and that a QR-code-based alternative is also being considered to ensure usability for all citizens.
❗ Commission Advances Common European Energy Data Space
Responding to a question on energy-smart appliances, Commissioner Jørgensen on 19 December 2025 acknowledged the challenge of non-standardised interfaces. The reply to E-004217/2025 outlines a voluntary Code of Conduct with major manufacturers to develop common features. Crucially, the Commission is working on the Common European Energy Data Space to improve system interoperability and encourage data sharing for services like smart electric vehicle charging, as part of its Digitalisation of Energy Action Plan.
❓ MEPs Seek Clarity on Patient Data Rights and the European Health Data Space
MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) submitted a question on 2 December 2025 regarding the processing of personal health data under the GDPR. The question, E-004761/2025, asks whether EU patients have the right to prohibit doctors from forwarding their health data and diagnoses, if this right has been or will be revoked, and what happens to data transferred to the European Health Data Space (EHDS). A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over Spanish Cybersecurity Contract Delay
Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE) questioned the Commission on 2 December 2025 about a critical cybersecurity contract for the Spanish central administration that has been delayed. According to E-004766/2025, a bidder was excluded for not having a registered equality plan. The MEP asks if the Commission is concerned about the delay to a vital security project and whether it considers an equality plan essential for safeguarding a country’s cybersecurity. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Raise Alarms Over Privacy and Security of Digital Euro
A group of MEPs led by Julien Leonardelli (PfE) submitted a question on 2 December 2025 about the risks of the digital euro. The question, E-004763/2025, asks the Commission for guarantees on the long-term existence of cash, assurances that the digital euro will not be used for political monitoring of accounts, and details on how the security of digital euro accounts will be protected against cyberattacks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Details Digital Traceability Rules for Fishery Products
On 18 December 2025, Commissioner Kadi clarified the EU’s consumer information and traceability rules for fishery and aquaculture products. The reply to E-004294/2025 notes that while mandatory origin and production method labelling under the Common Market Organisation (CMO) regulation exempts most products in the hospitality sector, the revised Fisheries Control Regulation will change this. From January 2026, digital traceability will be required for all lots from catch to retail, with new rules for prepared and preserved products applying from 2029.
❗ Commission Details EU Health Agencies and Financial Transparency
In a detailed response on 17 December 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the roles of various EU bodies in the health sector, including DG SANTE, HERA, ECDC, and EMA. The answer to E-003124/2025 provided budget and staffing figures for these agencies from 2020-2025. It also clarified that while beneficiaries of funding from decentralised agencies are not yet in the Financial Transparency System (FTS), they will be included from 2026, and agencies currently publish their own lists of contracts.
❗ Commission Highlights Digital and Green Transition Funding for Cyprus
Commissioner Fitto, on 18 December 2025, detailed EU support for Cyprus, recognizing its challenges of insularity. The reply to E-004216/2025 specifies that under the Thalia 2021–2027 Programme, Cohesion Policy provides EUR 147 million for research, innovation, and digitalisation, and supports e-health actions. The Commission also supports the Great Sea Interconnector project financially and politically to enhance connectivity.
❗ Commission Developing Voluntary Carbon Intensity Label for Industrial Products
Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed on 19 December 2025 that the Clean Industrial Deal includes plans for a voluntary label on the carbon intensity of industrial products, starting with steel. The response to E-004184/2025 states the Commission is considering various options for a transparent methodology to promote competitive decarbonisation for steelmakers. This label is intended to serve as a building block for a future label under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
❓ MEPs Question Impact of Battery Rules on AI Wearable Competitiveness
A group of MEPs led by Stefano Cavedagna (ECR) submitted a question on 10 December 2025 concerning the EU requirement for user-removable batteries in all electronic devices by 2027. In E-004907/2025, they ask how this rule aligns with the EU’s AI leadership goals, particularly for sophisticated wearable devices, and whether the Commission will consider targeted exemptions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Demand Suspension of Israel’s Participation in Horizon Europe
A large cross-party group of MEPs, including Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), questioned the Commission on 9 December 2025 about Israel’s continued participation in the Horizon Europe research programme. Citing alleged human rights violations, E-004869/2025 asks if the Commission still proposes a partial suspension, whether it will invoke clauses to suspend participation as it did with Russian entities, and if Israel’s associated country status will be revoked for the next programme period. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Clarifies Consumer Rights for Digital Content like Video Games
In response to the European citizens’ initiative ‘Stop killing Videogames’, Commissioner McGrath on 15 December 2025 clarified the existing consumer protection framework. The reply to E-003581/2025 explains that under Directive 2019/770/EU, discontinuing a digital service earlier than contractually agreed or reasonably expected constitutes a lack of conformity, entitling the consumer to a partial refund. However, the Commission also noted that modern video game licenses are typically not perpetual and are governed by the terms and conditions agreed to by the user.
❗ Commission Assessing Copyright Rules for Library E-Lending
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, on 19 December 2025, addressed the topic of e-lending by public libraries. The reply to E-004258/2025 references a CJEU ruling that equates the lending of a digital book copy to a physical one under specific conditions. The Commission is currently assessing the role of copyright in this area through a comprehensive study on e-lending practices across the EU, the results of which will inform discussions on the need for further measures.
❗ Commission Outlines Rules on Price Transparency and Payment Fees
On 18 December 2025, Commissioner McGrath responded to a question on cross-border pricing and payment fees. The answer to E-003940/2025 clarifies that while EU consumer law requires traders to show the total price, it does not regulate currency exchange rates or mandate pricing in multiple currencies. The Payment Services Directive (PSD2) requires transparency on currency conversion charges but does not cap them, while also limiting fees that can be charged for using certain card-based payment instruments.
❓ MEP Seeks Commission Action on Failing Domestic Violence Monitoring System in Spain
MEP Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE) submitted a priority question on 2 December 2025 regarding serious technical failures in Spain’s COMETA electronic monitoring system for domestic violence victims. The question, P-004754/2025, details issues like data loss and incorrect alerts, and asks if the Commission will assess the contract’s compliance with public procurement rules and sound financial management under the RRF, and potentially apply financial corrections. A response from the Commission is pending.
The Commission’s replies from this period consistently point towards a focus on the diligent implementation and enforcement of existing legal frameworks. Whether discussing the Digital Services Act (E-004287/2025), the European Media Freedom Act (E-003977/2025), or consumer rights (E-003581/2025), the institution frames its role as a monitor and enforcer, working through dialogue with Member States and targeted actions against non-compliance, particularly for the largest online platforms. This suggests a pivot from broad legislative initiatives to the more granular work of ensuring the new digital rulebook is respected on the ground.
A second cross-cutting theme is the careful balancing of competing priorities, particularly between safety, fundamental rights, and innovation. The Commission’s defense of its child sexual abuse regulation proposal (E-003645/2025) emphasizes targeted measures and judicial oversight to protect both children and privacy. Similarly, its approach to AI-generated content (E-004239/2025) involves studying technological safeguards to mitigate copyright risks without stifling innovation. This positioning indicates an awareness of the complex trade-offs inherent in digital regulation and a preference for evidence-based, proportionate interventions.
Finally, the Commission’s narrative around new digital infrastructure projects reveals a strategy centered on building trust through voluntary adoption. The strong emphasis on the non-mandatory nature of the European Digital Identity Wallet (P-004426/2025) and the availability of non-digital alternatives suggests a deliberate effort to counter concerns about state overreach. This approach, combined with initiatives like the Common European Energy Data Space (E-004217/2025), points to a broader ambition to foster a sovereign, interoperable, and citizen-centric European digital ecosystem. Overall, the Commission’s communications reveal an institution focused on the operational phase of its digital agenda, prioritizing legal precision, fundamental rights, and strategic patience in rolling out its flagship projects.
