Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and replies published from 16.08.2026 till 23.08.2026. The main policy areas highlighted in this reporting period include the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, data centre sustainability standards, artificial intelligence competitiveness, and the implementation of digital accessibility rules. The Commission consistently frames its responses around procedural adherence, defending the integrity of established legislative frameworks while emphasising the importance of Member State cooperation in enforcement. These developments are critical for digital-policy professionals as they signal a definitive shift from legislative drafting to rigorous compliance monitoring and technical implementation across the internal market.
Digital Services Act & Platform Accountability
❓ MEPs Probe DSA Enforcement Against Foreign Digital Interference
In Parliamentary Question E-003012/2026 submitted on 16 July 2026, Members raised concerns regarding alleged foreign digital manipulation during French and European elections. The inquiry questions the Commission on its plans to safeguard electoral integrity and address perceived shortcomings in the application of the Digital Services Act. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Scrutinise Potential Harmonisation of Social Media Age Limits
In Parliamentary Question E-003186/2026 submitted on 31 July 2026, questions were raised regarding the Commission’s consideration of a uniform EU age limit for children’s access to social media. The inquiry challenges the legal basis under Article 114 TFEU and asks how the Commission plans to respect Member State subsidiarity and parental responsibilities. A response from the Commission is pending.
Foreign Subsidies & Sectoral Regulation
❗ Commission Clarifies Member State Autonomy in Short-Term Rental Data Sharing
In Parliamentary Question E-002668/2026, the Commission was asked about the enforcement of the Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulation. In a response on 21 August 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed that while the Regulation harmonises data exchange between platforms and authorities, the Commission cannot compel Member States to adopt registration requirements if they choose not to regulate short-term rentals. The Commission continues to encourage effective use of the harmonised framework to support the internal market.
❓ Commission Questioned on Foreign Subsidies Regulation Enforcement Involving E-commerce Platforms
In Parliamentary Question E-003204/2026 submitted on 4 August 2026, the Commission was asked how it intends to handle alleged obstruction of an investigation into foreign subsidies by Temu. The query focuses on the potential application of penalties under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation and future procedural adjustments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Defends Data Centre Energy Performance Standards
In Parliamentary Question E-002062/2026, the Commission was asked about the regulatory trajectory for data centre energy efficiency. In a response on 19 August 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that the EU legislative framework significantly increases transparency, noting that compliance reporting is expected to improve in future cycles. The Commission indicated that halting discussions on minimum performance standards would risk delaying progress toward a sustainable and competitive digital sector.
❗ Commission Rejects Claims of Undue Corporate Influence on Energy Efficiency Reporting
In Parliamentary Question E-002307/2026, the Commission faced scrutiny over alleged industry lobbying influencing the confidentiality provisions in Delegated Act 2024/1364. In a response on 19 August 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen defended the framework, asserting that the Delegated Regulation was prepared in line with Better Regulation rules and respects the parent Energy Efficiency Directive. The Commission maintained that the confidentiality of specific data in the European database complies with both EU law and the Aarhus Convention, balancing transparency with security and privacy requests from Member States.
❓ MEPs Question Alignment of National Spectrum Renewals with Digital Networks Act
In Parliamentary Question E-003157/2026 submitted on 29 July 2026, the Commission was asked to evaluate the Portuguese regulator’s decision to limit spectrum renewals to 6-14 years against the objectives of the proposed Digital Networks Act. The inquiry explores potential tools to promote convergence with EU guidelines to safeguard investments in 5G and 6G infrastructure. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Pressed on Removing Barriers to Advanced AI Development
In Parliamentary Question E-003187/2026 submitted on 31 July 2026, the Commission was asked to address Europe’s widening gap in cutting-edge AI and computing power. The inquiry urges the Commission to outline plans for removing investment barriers in data centres and to reassess regulatory burdens that may hinder European businesses from scaling globally. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Affirms Transparency and Ethics Safeguards for Industrial AI Envoy
In Parliamentary Question P-002401/2026, the Commission was questioned regarding the appointment of the Special Envoy for Industrial AI. In a response on 13 August 2026, Commissioner Serafin confirmed that a thorough conflict-of-interest assessment was conducted prior to the appointment. The Commission noted that while specific administrative recruitment documents remain protected under data privacy regulations, the Envoy’s advisory work will culminate in a report subject to full public scrutiny.
❗ Commission Outlines Monitoring Mechanisms for Digital Public Service Accessibility
In Parliamentary Question E-002619/2026, the Commission was asked how it ensures digital public services remain accessible for individuals with learning disabilities. In a response on 18 August 2026, Commissioner Lahbib highlighted the enforcement frameworks of the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive. The Commission detailed its reliance on national monitoring reports and the AccessibleEU resource centre to promote best practices and ensure compliance across Member State administrations.
❗ Commission Reinforces Role of Digital Services Act in Anti-Racism Strategy
In Parliamentary Question E-002952/2026, the Commission was asked about its approach to tackling structural racism within the EU. In a response on 21 August 2026, Commissioner Lahbib affirmed that the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 comprehensively addresses historical marginalisation. The Commission specifically positioned the Digital Services Act as a core legislative tool for combating illegal racist hate speech online while maintaining safeguards for freedom of expression.
A central theme emerging from this period’s communications is the Commission’s steadfast defence of its recently adopted regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning data centre sustainability and digital platform oversight. The Commission’s responses indicate a strong reliance on procedural legitimacy, repeatedly citing Better Regulation guidelines, conflict-of-interest protocols, and established inter-institutional processes to rebut criticisms of industry influence or regulatory overreach.
Furthermore, the Commission positions the implementation phase as highly dependent on Member State action and subsidiarity. Whether addressing short-term rental data sharing, digital accessibility compliance, or spectrum allocation, the Commission frames its role as a coordinator and monitor rather than a unilateral enforcer. This approach highlights the structural boundaries of EU-level enforcement tools when dealing with decentralised administrative processes.
For digital-policy professionals, these developments reveal that the EU has firmly transitioned into a period of regulatory consolidation and technical implementation. The material suggests that future policy battles will likely centre not on the drafting of primary legislation, but on the granular application of delegated acts, national enforcement capabilities, and the practical balancing of market competitiveness with sustainability objectives.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
