Overview
This report provides an analysis of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 19 January 2026 and Sunday, 25 January 2026. The exchanges focus predominantly on the enforcement of core digital legislation, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), in response to emerging challenges from generative AI and platform accountability. Key policy areas addressed include the systemic risks posed by Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), the ethical and safety implications of AI applications, data governance under the GDPR, and the EU’s broader industrial strategy for technological sovereignty. The Commission’s responses consistently position it as an active enforcer of existing legal frameworks, emphasizing procedural steps, ongoing investigations, and the distinct roles of EU and national authorities. These developments are critical for public affairs professionals as they signal a clear transition from digital policymaking to a phase of active implementation and enforcement, where the practical application of new rules is being tested and defined.
DSA Enforcement & Platform Accountability
❗ Commission Confirms DSA Enforcement Actions Against Platform X
In a response on 22 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen detailed recent enforcement actions under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The answer to question E-003843/2025 confirms a EUR 120 million fine was issued to X on 5 December 2025 for breaches of transparency obligations, including deceptive design of its ‘blue checkmark’ and failures in its advertising repository and researcher data access. The Commission states it is closely monitoring the deployment of generative AI features like Grok on X and has taken investigatory measures, including a retention order for data on algorithmic changes, highlighting that all VLOP features must undergo risk assessment and mitigation.
❗ Commission Outlines DSA Framework for Combating Online Gender-Based Violence
Responding to a question on non-consensual sharing of intimate material, the Commission, in an answer given by Ms Lahbib on 20 January 2026, reiterated the tools available under existing legislation. The reply to E-004537/2025 highlights that the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires online platforms to implement notice-and-action mechanisms for illegal content. It emphasizes that VLOPs face enhanced due diligence obligations to assess and mitigate systemic risks, and that the new directive on combating violence against women requires Member States to facilitate cooperation with service providers to ensure the removal of illegal content.
❗ DSA Used to Tackle Online Drug Trafficking
In a reply concerning synthetic opioids dated 23 January 2026, Commissioner Brunner explained how the EU is leveraging digital policy to combat crime. The answer to E-004362/2025 notes that the EU will ensure online intermediaries enforce their due diligence obligations under the Digital Services Act as part of the broader EU Action Plan against drug trafficking. This includes strengthening cooperation with tech companies via the EU Internet Forum to address the online sale of illicit substances.
❗ Commission Clarifies DSA Rules on Trusted Flaggers and Content Moderation
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, in a response on 23 January 2026, clarified key principles of the Digital Services Act. The answer to P-004901/2025 states that the status of ‘trusted flagger’ is awarded and revoked by national Digital Service Coordinators (DSCs), not the Commission. The Commission also stressed that the DSA does not define illegal content but protects freedom of expression by creating robust redress mechanisms for users whose content is removed or demoted by platforms.
❓ MEPs Demand Action on AI-Generated Abusive Content on Platform X
A cross-party group of MEPs submitted question E-000099/2026 on 13 January 2026, raising urgent concerns about reports that the AI system Grok, integrated into platform X, has been used to generate non-consensual sexualised images of women and minors. They ask the Commission if it is investigating these incidents as potential breaches of the systemic risk obligations under the Digital Services Act and the safety requirements of the AI Act. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on Urgent Measures Against Grok AI on Platform X
In a related query (E-000142/2026) from 14 January 2026, MEP Sandro Gozi (Renew) pressed the Commission on alleged illegal content generated by Grok on X, including sexually explicit images and content undermining Holocaust memory. The question asks if these constitute breaches of DSA Articles 34 and 35 and what urgent measures, including potential suspension of Grok’s features, the Commission will take. The Commission has yet to respond.
❓ MEPs Challenge Tech Giants’ Political Ad Policies Under DSA
MEPs from several political groups raised concerns in question E-000158/2026 on 14 January 2026 about recent changes to political advertising by Google and Meta. They question whether Google’s deletion of its ad repository violates DSA transparency rules and if Meta’s broad ban on political and societal issue advertising could pose a systemic risk to civic discourse under the DSA. A Commission answer is awaited.
❓ Commission Probed on Meta’s Algorithmic Impact on Political Discourse
Following an academic study suggesting Meta’s algorithms significantly reduced the visibility of political content during key election periods, MEPs submitted question E-000086/2026 on 13 January 2026. They ask the Commission how these systemic effects were not flagged as a reporting deficiency under the DSA and what measures will be taken to protect democratic processes. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Seek Update on DMA-Mandated Messaging Interoperability
In question E-000134/2026, submitted on 14 January 2026, MEPs inquired about the implementation of interoperability between messaging services, a key requirement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). They ask the Commission for information on its deployment progress, whether it guarantees message encryption, and if it will foster the emergence of European messaging apps. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Asked About Using DSA Fines Against Sale of Abusive Dolls
MEPs submitted question E-000165/2026 on 15 January 2026 regarding the online sale of child sexual abuse dolls on platforms. They ask if the Commission will use its powers under the Digital Services Act to impose fines of up to 6% of global turnover on suppliers and whether it will fund AI to better detect such illegal sales. The Commission has not yet replied.
General Digital Rulebook
❓ MEP Questions Ambition of the Digital Omnibus Proposal
In question E-000117/2026 from 14 January 2026, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) voiced concerns that the Digital Omnibus proposal lacks the ambition to enhance Europe’s digital competitiveness and fails to address structural obstacles for businesses. The MEP asks the Commission how it plans to address these industry concerns and ensure future digital rules prioritize innovation and growth. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Probed on ‘Undressing Applications’ and AI Act Compliance
MEPs from the PPE group submitted question E-000174/2026 on 15 January 2026, highlighting the availability of AI-powered ‘undressing applications’ capable of producing child sexual abuse material. They ask if the Commission intends to investigate companies providing these tools under existing legislation and whether it plans a specific initiative to address this trend, noting potential breaches of the AI Act’s ethical principles. A response is awaited.
❓ MEP Asks About AI’s Impact on Literary Translators
Question E-000023/2026, submitted on 7 January 2026, raises concerns about major publishing houses using AI for literary translation, potentially undermining the profession. The question asks if the Commission intends to promote complementarity between AI and human translators and ensure translators can benefit from the new ecosystem developed by AI. The Commission’s reply is pending.
❓ Concerns Raised Over AI Use in Erasmus+ Evaluations
In question E-004900/2025 from 10 December 2025, MEPs Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI) and Fernand Kartheiser (NI) questioned the use of artificial intelligence in the Erasmus+ evaluation process. They ask if the Commission will ensure AI is used to protect human judgment and prevent bias in assessments, and if it plans to introduce structured appeal mechanisms. A response is pending.
Data Governance & Privacy
❗ GDPR Enforcement is a National Competence, Commission Reiterates
In a case concerning the Hellenic Cadastre in Greece, Executive Vice-President Fitto clarified the division of responsibilities for GDPR enforcement. The response to E-004656/2025, dated 23 January 2026, states that Member States have the primary responsibility to monitor and enforce the GDPR through their national data protection authorities and courts. The Commission confirms its role is as guardian of the Treaties, while national authorities must ensure public bodies comply with data protection law.
❓ MEPs Question GDPR Supervision of Public Broadcasters
Priority question P-000206/2026, submitted on 20 January 2026, seeks clarification on the application of the GDPR to public broadcasters. The question asks the Commission for the minimum criteria for a sector-specific data protection supervisor to be considered ‘fully independent’ and how it differentiates journalistic data processing from administrative activities under Article 85 GDPR. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Asked About GDPR Compliance of Road Safety Data Reuse
MEP Dolors Montserrat (PPE) submitted question E-000155/2026 on 14 January 2026 regarding the reuse of location data from mandatory vehicle safety beacons. The question asks if the reuse of this data by third parties is compatible with the GDPR’s principles of purpose limitation and data minimisation and if the Commission plans to issue guidance to Spain to avoid re-identification risks. A response is awaited.
Encryption & Lawful Access
❗ Commission Details Expert Group on Lawful Access to Encrypted Data
On 23 January 2026, Commissioner Brunner provided details on the establishment of an Expert Group tasked with exploring technological solutions for lawful access to encrypted data. The answer to E-004528/2025 explains that the group includes a balanced selection of technical experts from public and private sectors, as well as EU agencies. The Commission states that if the group finds no existing solution that respects fundamental rights and cybersecurity, it is expected to recommend the development of such solutions for future policy work.
Digital Infrastructure
❗ Commission Clarifies RRF Rules for 5G Infrastructure in Italy
In a response on 23 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto addressed a question about the construction of a telecom tower in Italy financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The answer to E-004425/2025 clarifies that the RRF is a performance-based instrument and that Member State authorities are primarily responsible for project selection and ensuring compliance with national and EU law. It notes that Italy’s plan includes targets for 5G coverage in market failure areas.
❗ Digital Europe Programme Supports EU Cancer Plan
In a detailed breakdown of funding for Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission highlighted the role of its digital programmes. The answer to E-004037/2025 from Commissioner Várhelyi on 20 January 2026, states that the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) supports the plan directly through the European Cancer Imaging Initiative and horizontally through projects on genomics and Virtual Human Twins that have cancer use cases.
❗ Commission Outlines Strategy to Attract and Retain Scientific Talent in AI and Cleantech
On 19 January 2026, Commissioner Zaharieva responded to a question on retaining top scientific talent. The answer to P-004746/2025 outlines a multi-faceted strategy, including excellence-driven funding from Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC). The Commission highlights that MSCA is doubling its AI-focused projects in Horizon Europe and that the AI Continent Action Plan aims to expand the EU’s pool of AI specialists. The new Blue Card Directive is also cited as crucial for attracting highly skilled talent.
❓ MEPs Call for Support for Europe’s Electronics Production
A group of PPE MEPs, in question E-000120/2026 submitted on 14 January 2026, raised alarms over Europe’s declining share in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS). They ask if the Commission will provide targeted support through EU instruments, how the upcoming Chips Act revision could strengthen the sector, and whether it will consider European-sourcing criteria for critical applications. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Confirms Role as Facilitator in Nexperia Supply Chain Dispute
In a reply dated 23 January 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič addressed the Dutch government’s restrictions on the company Nexperia. The answer to E-004187/2025 states the Commission acted primarily as a facilitator in bilateral negotiations between the Netherlands and China to re-establish critical supply chains. While noting that China has eased some restrictive measures, the Commission states the situation remains critical and that it continues to monitor developments.
❗ EEAS Confirms Progressive Development of EU Cyber Defence Coordination Centre
High Representative/Vice-President Kallas, in a reply on 21 January 2026, provided an update on the EU Cyber Defence Coordination Centre (EU CDCC). The answer to E-004169/2025 confirms that the European External Action Service (EEAS) is working to progressively develop the EU CDCC as a permanent military cyber hub. A core nucleus is planned for the first half of 2026, based on reallocation of internal resources, to facilitate the transition from the existing PESCO project.
❗ Commission Addresses E-commerce Imbalances and Customs Reform
Responding to a question on unfair competition from Chinese imports, Commissioner Šefčovič outlined on 21 January 2026 the EU’s strategy to correct competitive imbalances with major e-commerce platforms. The answer to P-004641/2025 points to stricter enforcement of EU rules via the Market Surveillance Regulation and the Digital Services Act. It also highlights a broader customs reform, confirming that the EU will apply a EUR 3 customs duty to low-value e-commerce parcels from 1 July 2026.
❗ Commission Explains Delay of EU Deforestation Regulation
On 22 January 2026, Commissioner Roswall explained the reasoning behind the postponed application date of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The answer to P-003874/2025 reveals that after stakeholders indicated a much higher-than-expected number of automated interactions, the Commission reassessed the projected load on the supporting IT Information System. To avoid potential disruptions that would negatively affect companies, the co-legislators agreed to a new application date of 30 December 2026.
The Commission’s answers from this period reveal a clear and consistent institutional posture centered on the operationalization of its landmark digital legislative files. A dominant theme is the central role of the Digital Services Act (DSA) as a versatile enforcement tool. The Commission’s responses suggest it views the DSA’s framework, particularly the systemic risk obligations for VLOPs, as sufficient to address a wide array of emerging challenges, from generative AI harms (E-003843/2025) to online crime (E-004362/2025). This indicates a preference for applying existing rules over proposing new legislation for every novel issue, positioning the DSA as the cornerstone of its digital enforcement strategy.
A second cross-cutting insight is the Commission’s careful delineation of competencies, frequently deferring to national authorities for direct enforcement. This is most evident in its replies on the GDPR, where it firmly places responsibility with national Data Protection Authorities (E-004656/2025), and in the DSA context, where it highlights the role of national Digital Services Coordinators in appointing trusted flaggers (P-004901/2025). This approach frames the Commission’s role as one of oversight, coordination, and enforcement against the largest players, while empowering Member States to manage implementation at the national level.
Finally, the Commission’s communications reveal a pragmatic and evidence-based approach to policy implementation. The establishment of a technical expert group for the complex issue of encrypted data access (E-004528/2025) and the decision to delay the EUDR’s application due to technical readiness concerns (P-003874/2025) suggest a focus on ensuring that regulatory frameworks are operationally sound before they are fully enforced. This reflects an institutional awareness of the practical complexities involved in rolling out ambitious digital and environmental regulations across the single market.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
