Overview
This report provides an analysis of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and European Commission replies published from 16.02.2026 to 22.02.2026. The key policy areas under scrutiny include the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), the implementation of the AI Act concerning copyright, regulatory simplification through the Digital Omnibus and Digital Networks Act proposals, and the security of digital infrastructure. The Commission presents itself as a diligent enforcer of its flagship digital regulations while simultaneously pursuing a simplification agenda to bolster EU competitiveness and digital sovereignty. These developments signal a dual focus on rigorous enforcement for large platforms and a strategic push to streamline rules for smaller businesses and critical infrastructure, shaping the compliance and investment landscape for all digital actors in the EU.
DSA Enforcement & Interpretation
❗ Commission Confirms WhatsApp’s Designation as a VLOP and Previews Digital Fairness Act
In a reply dated 16 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed the Commission’s designation of WhatsApp as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) on 26 January 2026, as per question E-004713/25. WhatsApp now has four months to comply with additional obligations, with enforcement shared between the Commission and the Irish Digital Services Coordinator. The Commission also noted it is working on a Digital Fairness Act (DFA), to be presented in late 2026, which will address issues like dark patterns, addictive designs, and influencer marketing, with a key priority on protecting minors online.
❗ Commission Justifies Fine Against Platform X for Deceptive ‘Blue Checkmarks’
Responding to question P-005077/25, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on 17 February 2026 defended the Commission’s enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) against platform X. The Commission found that the ‘blue checkmarks’ for ‘verified accounts’ feature deceived users, as anyone could pay for the status without meaningful verification. The reply clarified that the calculation of fines is based on objective factors like the gravity, recurrence, and duration of the infringements, which in this case had been ongoing for 27 months, and aims to ensure sufficient deterrence.
❗ Commission Details Calculation of EUR 120 Million Fine on X Under DSA
In a further clarification on 20 February 2026 regarding the fine on platform X, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen explained the methodology behind the EUR 120 million penalty in response to question E-005003/25. The Commission set three separate fines for infringements of Articles 25(1), 39, and 40(12) of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The calculation was based on the nature and gravity of the breaches and their consequences for users and researchers, not the provider’s turnover, which only serves as a ceiling for the maximum fine (6% of global turnover).
❗ Commission Confirms Formal DSA Investigation into X’s Grok AI
In response to a priority question (P-000088/26) from Nina Carberry (PPE), the Commission has confirmed it initiated a formal investigation into the provider of X under the Digital Services Act (DSA) on 26 January 2025. In his answer of 19 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated the investigation will assess whether the company properly mitigated risks associated with the deployment of its Grok AI chatbot in the EU. The probe specifically addresses concerns that Grok is being used to generate and disseminate illegal content, such as manipulated sexually explicit images, including of children.
❗ Commission Clarifies DSA Enforcement Scope Regarding Telegram and Elections
On 20 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen replied to question E-005041/25, stating that Telegram is not designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and therefore the Commission lacks competence to initiate proceedings against it. That competence lies with the Belgian digital services coordinator. The Commission reiterated that under the DSA, designated VLOPs and VLOSEs must assess and mitigate systemic risks to electoral processes, referencing its April 2024 guidelines on the matter.
❗ Commission Outlines Multi-faceted Enforcement Against Non-Compliant Online Marketplaces
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, in a reply on 20 February 2026, detailed the Commission’s ongoing Digital Services Act (DSA) investigations into platforms like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein (E-004683/25). The Commission is also coordinating enforcement actions through the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network against Temu and SHEIN for consumer law infringements and plans to revise the CPC Regulation in late 2026. Further measures include the upcoming EU Customs Reform and a revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation to strengthen enforcement on e-commerce imports.
❓ MEPs Question Commission’s Communication with Platforms on Content Moderation
In question E-000550/2026, submitted on 10 February 2026, Piotr Müller (ECR) asks the Commission about the formal and informal communication channels it uses with Very Large Online Platforms regarding content moderation and systemic risks under the Digital Services Act. The question seeks to understand if the Commission has communicated expectations that go beyond clear legal obligations and what internal mechanisms prevent companies from adopting overly restrictive moderation practices to mitigate regulatory risk. A response is pending.
❓ MEPs Probe Transparency Standards for Commission’s DSA Supervisory Actions
Piotr Müller (ECR) submitted two questions (E-000549/2026 and E-000552/2026) on 10 February 2026 concerning the transparency and documentation of the Commission’s enforcement of the Digital Services Act. The questions highlight a perceived asymmetry between the extensive transparency obligations on platforms and the lack of comparable standards for the Commission’s own contacts with regulated entities. The MEP asks if the Commission will establish a public register of contacts and uniform rules for documenting interactions to ensure democratic control. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Commission’s Role in Content Moderation Ahead of Elections
Following a report from the US House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee, Jorge Martín Frías (PfE) submitted question E-000458/2026 on 4 February 2026. The question asks the Commission to respond to allegations that it pressured digital platforms to remove content and restrict political discourse ahead of several Member State elections under the guise of the Digital Services Act. A Commission answer is awaited.
❓ MEP Alleges Commission Interference in Slovak Elections via TikTok
In question E-000527/2026 from 9 February 2026, Erik Kaliňák (NI) cites a US House of Representatives report alleging that the Commission urged TikTok to flag certain political statements as ‘hate speech’ before the 2023 Slovak elections. The MEP asks the Commission to clarify its mandate for intervening in national elections and which departments were involved. The Commission has yet to respond.
❓ MEPs Query Digital Platform Responsibility for Illegal Advertising of Occupied Cypriot Areas
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) asks the Commission about the increasing appearance of advertisements on social networks for real estate and tourism in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus (E-000511/2026). Submitted on 8 February 2026, the question probes the compatibility of these ads with EU law and consumer protection, and asks if the Commission will require digital platforms to ban and monitor such content. A response is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns About Manipulative Digital Practices and Consumer Protection
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) has asked the Commission about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures against manipulative digital practices like dark patterns and subscription traps, in light of the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act (E-000566/2026). The question, submitted on 10 February 2026, also seeks information on planned operational guidelines to improve the application of the DSA and consumer law, and whether the Commission will support digital literacy programs. A response is awaited.
❓ MEP Inquires About Countering Use of Digital Platforms by Extremist Groups
Citing a Europol report, Susanna Ceccardi (PfE) asks the Commission about measures to counter the use of digital platforms for propaganda and coordination by transnational left-wing extremist networks (E-000490/2026). The question, submitted on 6 February 2026, seeks to understand what initiatives are envisaged to monitor and counter such activities online. A response from the Commission is pending.
DMA Compliance & Interoperability
❗ Commission Affirms Gatekeepers Must Justify Security Measures Under DMA
In an 18 February 2026 response to question E-004795/25, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that while the Digital Markets Act (DMA) does not prevent gatekeepers from implementing security measures, these cannot be used as a pretext to avoid compliance. Gatekeepers bear the duty of ensuring compliance with the DMA and other rules like the Cyber Resilience Act and GDPR. Any protective measures must be proven to be strictly necessary and proportionate, a principle the Commission applies in its regulatory dialogue and enforcement actions.
❗ Commission: Gatekeeper Security Measures Must Not Undermine DMA Interoperability Goals
Executive Vice-President Ribera, on 16 February 2026, addressed the balance between interoperability and security under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in an answer to question E-004598/25. The reply clarifies that while gatekeepers can apply measures to protect integrity, they must be strictly necessary, proportionate, and justified. Such measures should not hinder developers’ right to effective interoperability with operating system features. The Commission confirmed it is in continuous regulatory dialogue with gatekeepers and developers to ensure effective compliance with Article 6(7) of the DMA.
AI Act & Copyright
❗ Commission Clarifies AI Act’s Copyright Obligations for GPAI Models
In a response on 20 February 2026 (E-005023/25), Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined the copyright obligations for providers of general-purpose AI (GPAI) models under the AI Act. The Act requires providers placing models on the EU market to have a policy to comply with EU copyright law, specifically respecting rights reservations for text and data mining (TDM) under Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive. This obligation applies regardless of where the AI training took place. The Commission noted it is facilitating agreement on state-of-the-art opt-out protocols via the Code of Practice on General-Purpose AI.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
❗ Commission Outlines Plans to Tackle Fraudulent Calls in Digital Networks Act
Answering question E-004962/25 on 20 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera acknowledged the problem of fraudulent calls and messages. The Commission’s recently adopted proposal for a Digital Networks Act includes provisions to tackle these issues by allowing the new Office for Digital Networks to gather best practices. This would enable BEREC to issue guidelines for coordinated measures by Member States, with the possibility for the Commission to adopt delegated acts to enhance end-user protection.
❗ Commission Reaffirms GDPR Exemptions for Journalism
On 17 February 2026, Commissioner McGrath responded to question P-000206/26 concerning the GDPR and freedom of expression. The answer clarifies that the GDPR requires Member States to provide exemptions for processing personal data for journalistic purposes. However, any supervisory authority must still be independent, objective, and impartial, in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission confirmed it is monitoring the application of these provisions across Member States.
❓ MEPs Urge Action on Malicious SMS Messages from Outside the EU
Yannis Maniatis (S&D) has raised concerns about the intensification of phishing and smishing attacks via SMS messages originating from outside the EU (E-000626/2026). The question, submitted on 12 February 2026, asks the Commission how it ensures Member States implement their obligations under national cybersecurity strategies and Directive (EU) 2022/2555. It also asks if the Commission is considering measures like fees for unregistered international SMS or mandatory European certification of sender IDs. A response is pending.
❓ MEPs Probe Commission’s Use of AI for Monitoring Member States
Mathilde Androuët (PfE) has questioned the Commission on its use of artificial intelligence tools to monitor the application of EU law in Member States, as detailed in question E-000456/2026 submitted on 4 February 2026. The question raises concerns about “technocratic recentralisation,” “widespread digital surveillance,” and the democratic and legal basis for using AI to monitor or punish Member States. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Seeks Clarity on Legal Responsibility for AI-Generated Racist Content
In question E-000632/2026 submitted on 13 February 2026, Anthony Smith (The Left) asks the Commission how it intends to ensure effective legal responsibility when AI systems produce or disseminate racist or discriminatory content. The MEP seeks details on the binding obligations for companies designing and using AI systems to prevent and correct discriminatory biases, and how such content will be blocked and removed under the DSA and AI Act. A Commission reply is awaited.
❗ Commission Proposes Digital Networks Act to Foster Telecom Single Market
In a 17 February 2026 reply to question E-004720/25, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen addressed the issue of fragmentation in the EU’s electronic communications market. The Commission has presented a proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA) aimed at creating a genuine single market for connectivity by reducing administrative burden and incentivising cross-border operations. The Commission clarified that the DNA is not about sector consolidation, which remains a commercial decision assessed under EU merger rules.
❗ Commission Affirms Security of eID Schemes and Progress on Digital Wallets
Responding to concerns about security deficiencies in eID cards on 18 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated the Commission is not aware of any such issues (P-000207/2026). The answer confirms that the German eID scheme was notified and peer-reviewed, complying with the requirements for assurance level ‘high’. The Commission highlighted that the upcoming European Digital Identity Wallets, due by December 2026, will have different requirements and undergo comprehensive security certification.
❗ Commission Details Action Plan to Secure Submarine Data Cables
On 20 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen responded to question E-004524/25 on the security of the approximately 200 submarine cables landing in the EU. The Commission has adopted an EU Action Plan on Cable Security, which prioritises incident prevention through regional Cable Hubs and impact mitigation by deploying additional cables. The Commission has already invested approximately EUR 548 million in 58 submarine cable projects via the Connecting Europe Facility and will launch a call for modular repair equipment to serve as a contingency.
❓ MEPs Question Need for Digital Euro Amid Private Sector Innovation
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE) has asked the Commission about the justification for the digital euro project in light of a recent agreement by major European mobile payment systems to create an interoperable platform (E-000419/2026). The question, submitted on 3 February 2026, suggests that this private integration already offers a continental solution, questioning whether public spending on a digital euro constitutes a duplication of effort. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over Digital Traceability in Romanian Fisheries Sector
In a priority question from 11 February 2026 (P-000598/2026), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR) asks the Commission about potential unfair trading practices in the Romanian fisheries sector. The issue concerns a retailer allegedly obliging suppliers to exclusively use a specific private digital traceability platform, transferring all costs to producers. The MEP questions if this breaches the UTP Directive and how the Commission will prevent financial barriers for small producers and the emergence of private monopolies. A response is awaited.
❓ MEPs Seek Digital Solutions to Reduce Red Tape in Passenger Transport
Sophia Kircher (PPE) has questioned the Commission on progress in cutting red tape for the passenger transport sector, specifically regarding the journey form for international occasional bus services (E-000542/2026). Submitted on 10 February 2026, the question asks about the status of technical specifications for smart tachographs to distinguish between occasional and regular services and whether existing digital systems could eliminate the need for the journey form entirely. A Commission reply is pending.
❓ MEP Inquires About EU Framework for Drones in Agriculture
Susanna Ceccardi (PfE) asks the Commission about the EU regulatory framework concerning the use of drones for phytosanitary treatments in agriculture (E-000491/2026). The question, submitted on 6 February 2026, notes that existing EU law predates drone technology and asks if changes are being considered to reconcile technological innovation with environmental sustainability and legislative timelines. A response is awaited.
❓ MEPs Call for Review of CATCH Fisheries Control System
In a question from 10 February 2026, Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE) highlights serious operational difficulties and disproportionate administrative burdens caused by the new CATCH system for certifying fishery products (E-000538/2026). The MEP asks if the Commission plans to postpone implementation or introduce a transitional period and what measures will be taken to simplify the system, especially for the artisanal fleet. A Commission response is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Use of Digital Tools to Prevent Agricultural Fund Fraud in Greece
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) asks the Commission what specific European tools it intends to propose or activate to support Greece in preventing fraud and mismanagement of agricultural funds (E-000504/2026). The question from 6 February 2026 suggests enhanced use of digital systems like satellite monitoring and automated checks, referencing practices in the Netherlands and Denmark. A reply is awaited.
❓ MEPs Press for Action on Healthcare Access and Data for Migrants
In a priority question (P-000590/2026) from 11 February 2026, Romana Jerković (S&D) asks the Commission about measures to guarantee healthcare access for migrants, particularly for non-communicable diseases. The question also queries whether the Commission plans action to foster systematic collection of disaggregated health data across Member States to address health inequalities. A response is pending.
❓ MEPs Call for EU Warning System for Disqualified Medical Professionals
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Stine Bosse (Renew) has asked the Commission about establishing a mandatory EU-level warning system for medical professionals who have had their licenses revoked in one Member State (E-000428/2026). Submitted on 3 February 2026, the question asks if the current voluntary systems are sufficient and calls for a strengthening of the Internal Market Information System (IMI) alert mechanism to ensure patient safety across the EU. A Commission response is awaited.
❗ Commission Frames ‘Digital Omnibus’ as Pro-Competitiveness and EU-Focused
In a 17 February 2026 answer (E-004632/25), Executive Vice-President Virkkunen positioned the proposed ‘Digital Omnibus’ regulation as a key part of the EU’s agenda for regulatory simplification, aimed at bolstering competitiveness and digital sovereignty. The Commission stated the proposal is not a response to external pressures and seeks to provide legal clarity in data, AI, and cybersecurity rules to support European businesses. While some third-country companies provided input, the Commission stressed that its focus is on the EU’s interest and its regulatory autonomy is not negotiable.
❗ Commission Links Regulatory Simplification to Competitiveness and Strategic Investment
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, on 17 February 2026, outlined the Commission’s regulatory simplification agenda in response to question E-004609/25. The Commission highlighted the ‘Digital Omnibus’ proposal to cut red tape in AI, cybersecurity, and data, primarily benefiting SMEs. This is coupled with an ambitious investment agenda in strategic areas like AI, cloud, chips, and quantum through instruments like Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme.
❗ Commission to Grant Derogations for User-Removable Batteries in Wearable Devices
Responding to concerns about the impact of the Batteries Regulation on the AI wearables sector (E-004907/25), the Commission, via Ms Roswall, stated on 19 February 2026 that it does not agree the requirement undermines competitiveness. However, it acknowledged that Article 11 of the Regulation allows for derogations. The Commission intends to adopt a delegated act in Q2 2026 to add several new product categories, including wearables, to the list of products where batteries only need to be replaceable by independent professionals, not end-users.
❗ Commission Details Measures to Boost Recycling of Permanent Magnets under CRMA
On 18 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné responded to question E-004858/25 on rare earth elements. The Commission highlighted amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) that extend information requirements on products containing permanent magnets to ease their recovery. The amendments also include pre-consumer waste as a source for recycling, and the Commission is working on setting quotas for recycled content in new permanent magnets.
❗ Commission Outlines Monitoring and Support for CRMA Strategic Projects
Executive Vice-President Séjourné, in a reply dated 18 February 2026 (E-005026/25), detailed the Commission’s approach to ensuring Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) Strategic Projects contribute to the EU’s security of supply. The Commission is actively monitoring designated projects, organising pitching sessions with financial institutions, and facilitating offtake agreements. The planned Critical Raw Materials Centre will reinforce monitoring, and the Commission may withdraw a project’s strategic status if it no longer fulfils the necessary criteria.
❓ MEPs Seek Action on Low Youth Digital Entrepreneurship in Greece
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) has asked the Commission about the effectiveness of EU instruments like InvestEU and Horizon Europe in boosting youth innovative entrepreneurship in low-performing Member States such as Greece (E-000508/2026). The question, submitted on 8 February 2026, seeks to identify underutilised instruments and asks if targeted measures or technical support mechanisms are planned to reduce disparities within the Union. A response is awaited.
❗ EU Engages with Lebanon on Media Freedom Reforms
In a 19 February 2026 reply (E-005059/25), High Representative/Vice-President Kallas outlined the EU’s strategy to support freedom of expression in Lebanon. The EU is engaging with Lebanese authorities and civil society, stressing the need for a new draft media law to comply with international standards. The EU has provided funded expertise to the Lebanese Parliament’s committee working on the draft law, which introduces reforms on media ownership and journalist protection, and stands ready to continue supporting the reform agenda.
❓ MEPs Press for International Ban on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
A group of MEPs led by Dario Tamburrano (The Left) submitted a question on 6 February 2026 (E-000484/2026) regarding the EU’s stance on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS). They ask about the position taken by the EU delegation at UN meetings on a potential international treaty and whether the Commission will propose that Member States renounce or strictly regulate such systems based on the EU’s ethical principles. A response is pending.
❓ MEPs Raise Alarm Over Vulnerability of EU Satellites to Russian Activity
Following reports of close manoeuvres by Russian space vehicles near European satellites, a group of S&D MEPs led by Sofie Eriksson has asked the Commission if it has conducted a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the EU’s space infrastructure (E-000524/2026). The question, submitted on 9 February 2026, highlights the critical functions underpinned by this infrastructure and the potential consequences of disruption. A response is awaited.
❓ MEPs Question Dependence on Chinese Equipment in EU Electricity Grids
Citing a report from the EU Institute for Security Studies, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE) and other MEPs have asked the Commission about the vulnerabilities associated with Chinese equipment, particularly solar inverters, in European electricity infrastructure (E-000545/2026). The question from 10 February 2026 asks if the Commission will recommend manufacturing critical infrastructure in the EU and phase out Chinese components from EU-financed energy projects. A reply is pending.
❓ MEP Asks About EU Support for Modernising Military Service with Tech Skills
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) has asked the Commission if it intends to develop instruments and guidelines to support the modernisation of military conscription in frontline Member States like Greece and Cyprus (E-000505/2026). The question from 6 February 2026 suggests integrating training in cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and digital surveillance to enhance both operational readiness and post-service skills. A Commission response is awaited.
❓ MEP Questions Adequacy of Anti-Money Laundering Enforcement in Moldova
In a question submitted on 10 February 2026 (E-000554/2026), Auke Zijlstra (PfE) raises concerns about the gap between Moldova’s formal compliance with anti-money laundering standards and its actual enforcement. The MEP asks how the Commission assesses risks from insufficient oversight of non-bank financial actors, offshore structures, and crypto assets, and what follow-up measures will be implemented in the context of Moldova’s EU accession process. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Addresses Single Market Concerns Over Spanish Emergency Light Mandate
In a reply on 19 February 2026 (E-004992/25), Executive Vice-President Séjourné addressed Spain’s requirement for a specific V-16 emergency light in all vehicles from January 2026. The Commission confirmed that the Spanish decrees were not notified under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, which could lead to enforcement actions and render the technical regulations inapplicable by national courts. The Commission also noted that imposing such specific national requirements may constitute a restriction on trade under Article 34 TFEU, which Spain would need to justify.
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Media Freedom Under EMFA
On 21 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen responded to a question (E-004841/25) concerning political pluralism in French public service media. The Commission stated it is not aware of any official assessment establishing a lack of pluralism but reiterated that the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) establishes a common framework to safeguard editorial independence and protect public service media from political interference. The Commission is in close contact with all Member States to ensure the alignment of their legal frameworks with the EMFA.
❗ Commission Clarifies Rules for EU Funding to Media Organisations
In response to a question (E-004899/25) about EU funding for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Executive Vice-President Virkkunen explained on 19 February 2026 that the Commission does not provide direct operational support to media organisations. EU financial support is awarded through competitive calls for specific projects and does not imply endorsement of a beneficiary’s views. The Commission can suspend funding if there is evidence of non-compliance with contractual obligations, in line with the Financial Regulation.
❗ Commission Justifies Need for More Staff to Handle New Digital and Security Tasks
On 18 February 2026, Commissioner Serafin responded to a question (E-004722/25) about the proposed increase of 2,500 staff in the next MFF (2028-2034). The Commission justified the need by citing a ‘capacity gap’ created by new policy needs and tasks in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act and Critical Raw Materials Act, which could not be absorbed by internal redeployment alone.
❗ Commission Highlights Digital Tools to Combat VAT Fraud
Commissioner Hoekstra, on 17 February 2026, addressed concerns about intra-EU VAT fraud in a reply to question E-004942/25. The Commission highlighted recent measures to assist Member States, including the Digital Reporting Requirements under the ‘VAT in the Digital Age’ (ViDA) package, which are estimated to reduce losses by €11 billion per year once introduced. Other measures include the Customs Reforms and enhanced cooperation between tax authorities and EU bodies like EPPO and OLAF.
❗ Commission Confirms EMFA Spyware Safeguards Apply Even in National Security Cases
In a 20 February 2026 response (E-004636/25), Executive Vice-President Virkkunen affirmed that all contracts with EU funding are subject to strict checks. Citing CJEU case law, the reply stressed that national security cannot be used to render EU law inapplicable. This includes the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which provides strong safeguards against the use of spyware against journalists, even for national security purposes. The Commission is monitoring the full implementation of EMFA.
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Media Freedom in Rule of Law Context
Responding to a question on 20 February 2026 (E-005025/2025), Executive Vice-President Virkkunen underlined the fundamental importance of media freedom and pluralism. The Commission stated that the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) provides an EU-wide framework to safeguard these values and that it will continue to monitor the situation in Member States, including through its rule of law work.
The Commission’s replies from this period underscore the clear pivot from digital legislation to active implementation and enforcement. A dominant theme is the robust application of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), with answers detailing ongoing investigations into major platforms like X, WhatsApp, and various e-commerce sites (P-000088/26, E-004683/25), and providing detailed justifications for financial penalties (E-005003/25). This suggests the institution is keen to demonstrate its capacity and resolve as a central digital regulator, framing its actions as objective and rule-based.
Simultaneously, the Commission is carefully managing the narrative around competitiveness and strategic autonomy. It presents its regulatory simplification agenda, particularly the ‘Digital Omnibus’ proposal (E-004609/25), and infrastructure-focused legislation like the Digital Networks Act (E-004720/25) as complementary to its enforcement role. This dual approach aims to reassure stakeholders that while it holds large gatekeepers to account, it is also working to reduce burdens for SMEs and foster an innovative, resilient, and sovereign European digital economy. This is further evidenced by its pragmatic approach to rules like the Batteries Regulation, where it signals flexibility for strategic sectors like AI wearables (E-004907/25).
Overall, the Commission’s communications indicate a maturing digital policy environment where the focus is shifting to the practicalities of enforcement and the complex interplay between different legislative files. The institution is actively positioning itself as a capable steward of the Digital Single Market, balancing the need for a safe and fair online environment with the strategic imperative to enhance Europe’s technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness, from securing critical raw materials (E-005026/25) to protecting critical digital infrastructure (E-004524/25).
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
