Overview
This report provides an analysis of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and European Commission replies published from 23.03.2026 to 29.03.2026. The key policy areas under scrutiny include the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly concerning disinformation, platform accountability, and the scope of its obligations. Other significant themes are the EU’s push for technological sovereignty through initiatives like the Chips Act and a forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act, and the operationalisation of the European Democracy Shield to counter foreign information manipulation. The Commission’s responses consistently frame its actions within the existing legal frameworks, emphasising enforcement, strategic investment, and the protection of the single market. These developments highlight the EU’s transition from legislating to implementing its digital rulebook, a critical phase for digital-policy professionals to monitor.
DSA Enforcement & Scope
❗ Commission Confirms Ongoing DSA Investigation into Meta’s Handling of Deceptive Ads
In a reply dated 25 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen addressed concerns about Meta’s revenue from scam advertising on Facebook and Instagram. The Commission confirmed it is aware of the issue and is investigating the services for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), specifically regarding deceptive advertisements and coordinated inauthentic behaviour. As detailed in the answer to E-004574/2025, the Commission has already sent preliminary findings to Meta concerning failures to provide simple mechanisms for notifying illegal content. The response also clarifies that the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) complements the DSA and is enforced by national authorities.
❗ Commission Outlines DSA Measures Against Fake Accounts and Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour
The Commission detailed its enforcement expectations for large online platforms under the Digital Services Act (DSA) regarding the amplification of disinformation via fake accounts. In a response on 26 March 2026 to question E-000392/2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that the DSA requires VLOPs to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including manipulation through bots or fake accounts, and to undergo yearly independent audits. The answer highlights that the Code of Conduct on Disinformation is integrated into the DSA and that ongoing proceedings, such as the investigation into Meta, address these issues. The European Democracy Shield will further reinforce this framework with operational measures to be rolled out by 2027.
❗ Commission Clarifies Telegram’s Status Under the DSA
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen explained on 26 March 2026 why Telegram has not been designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The answer to P-000628/2026 states that according to Telegram’s published information, the user numbers for its online platform features are below the designation threshold. The Commission notes that a provider can isolate and count only the users of its online platform features, a point clarified by a court ruling. While not a VLOP, Telegram must still comply with applicable DSA rules and is supervised by the Belgian Digital Services Coordinator.
❗ DSA Protects Civic Discourse Without Regulating Political Debate, Commission States
The Commission affirmed that the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) to mitigate systemic risks to civic discourse and electoral processes, including from bots and fake accounts. In a 23 March 2026 response from Executive Vice-President Virkkunen to E-000410/2026, it was clarified that the DSA does not define illegal content or regulate political debate, but empowers users with recourse mechanisms, noting that platforms have overturned 30% of appealed moderation decisions. The answer also referenced targeted EU restrictive measures against certain Russian state-controlled outlets separate from the DSA framework.
❗ Commission Links DSA to Accessibility Standards for Online Services
Responding to a question about a potential EU-wide accessibility mark for social establishments, the Commission noted the relevance of the Digital Services Act (DSA). In her reply on 19 March 2026 to E-000358/2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that while the Commission does not currently plan an ‘accessibility sticker’, the DSA requires it to encourage codes of conduct to facilitate accessibility and address the needs of persons with disabilities online, referencing the definition provided in the European Accessibility Act.
Upcoming & Evolving Legislation
❓ MEPs Probe Commission on Potential AI Act Overlaps with Existing Legislation
In question E-001138/2026 submitted on 18 March 2026, MEP Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) raised industry concerns about the AI Act’s implementation. The question highlights potential regulatory overlaps with existing EU product safety laws, the need for alignment with data protection frameworks, and calls from stakeholders to consider postponing application deadlines to ensure legal certainty and competitiveness. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on Digital Fairness Act and Gaps in Consumer Protection
MEP Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) asked the Commission how it plans to address gaps in online consumer protection, particularly regarding harmful commercial practices like deceptive design, while avoiding regulatory overlap with existing laws like the DSA and DMA. The question, E-001134/2026, submitted on 18 March 2026, notes the differing concerns of civil society and business organisations regarding the upcoming Digital Fairness Act proposal. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question Commission on Undisclosed Influencer Advertising Targeting Minors on TikTok
Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew) submitted question E-001056/2026 on 13 March 2026, raising concerns about influencer-style commercial content targeting minors on TikTok. The question suggests that such content may fall outside the DSA’s definition of ‘advertisement’, creating a regulatory blind spot. The MEP asks if the Commission believes existing legislation is sufficient and whether the upcoming Digital Fairness Act will address these potential gaps. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Prepares ‘Chips Act 2’ and Assesses Cybersecurity Risks in ICT Supply Chain
In a 24 March 2026 answer, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that a proposal for a ‘Chips Act 2’ is foreseen for spring 2026. The response to E-000120/2026 notes that the Commission is assessing whether the ‘first-of-a-kind’ definition needs clarification for actors in the semiconductor value chain. The Commission also highlighted the proposed Cybersecurity Act 2, which aims to reduce risks from third-country ICT suppliers through a harmonised, risk-based approach to create a trusted supply chain.
❗ Commission Details Support for EU Semiconductor Manufacturing Under Chips Act
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined the Commission’s strategy to bolster the EU’s semiconductor capabilities in a reply on 24 March 2026. The answer to E-000216/2026 acknowledges the EU’s limited capabilities in standard RAM but highlights support for R&D in specialty memories for automotive and industrial applications via the Chips Joint Undertaking. The Commission aims to increase manufacturing capacity under the European Chips Act, noting that Member States can grant support for ‘first-of-a-kind’ facilities, with up to EUR 13.8 billion already approved under State aid rules.
❗ Commission to Propose ‘Cloud and AI Development Act’ to Boost Sovereignty
The Commission will present a proposal for a ‘Cloud and AI Development Act’ to facilitate the development and adoption of European cloud and AI technologies, especially in the public sector. In a 23 March 2026 answer to E-000349/2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated the Act aims to triple EU data centre capacity by 2030 by simplifying permitting procedures and driving investment. The rationale is based on the EU’s reliance on US hyperscalers, who dominate around 70% of the market, and an estimated infrastructure investment gap of EUR 75 billion until 2030.
❗ Commission Affirms Commitment to Digital Sovereignty and European Social Media Alternatives
In response to concerns about the EU’s dependency on non-EU social media platforms, the Commission outlined its strategy to strengthen technological sovereignty. In a reply dated 19 March 2026 to P-000445/2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated the Commission is investing in European capabilities in semiconductors, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity. The answer highlights that as part of the European Democracy Shield (EDS), the Commission will explore pathways for future EU social networking platforms and support pan-European platforms for professional news dissemination.
❗ Commission Deploys European Democracy Shield to Counter FIMI and Disinformation
The Commission outlined its comprehensive approach to strengthening democratic resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation. In a 24 March 2026 reply to E-004620/2025, Commissioner McGrath referenced the Joint Communication on the European Democracy Shield. Key measures include a new European Centre for Democratic Resilience, an incidents and crisis protocol under the DSA, and enhanced support for independent fact-checking through the European Network of Fact-Checkers and the European Digital Media Observatory.
❗ EEAS Monitors Disinformation Campaigns, Including Against UNRWA
The Commission confirmed that the European External Action Service (EEAS) monitors Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), including disinformation targeting UN agencies like UNRWA. In a reply on 25 March 2026 to E-004158/2025, Commissioner Šuica stated that the EEAS shares its monitoring results through yearly reports and that the EU’s strategy to tackle FIMI is outlined in the FIMI Toolbox. The response also reaffirmed the EU’s financial and political support for UNRWA, detailing payments made in 2024 and 2025.
❓ MEPs Raise Alarm Over Transfer of EU Citizens’ Biometric Data to the US
A large cross-party group of MEPs submitted an oral question (O-000015/2026) on 20 March 2026 concerning US demands for access to EU citizens’ biometric data under the ‘Enhanced Border Security Partnership’. The MEPs express concern over what they term an ‘ultimatum’ that could lead to the revocation of the visa waiver for Schengen Area citizens. They ask the Commission about GDPR compliance, its ‘red lines’ in negotiations, and potential reciprocity measures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Queried on Response to Potential US Portal to Bypass EU Content Rules
MEP Jan Farský (PPE) has asked the Commission about its potential response to a planned US Government portal, ‘freedom.gov’, which could allow European users to access content blocked in the EU. Question E-001132/2026, submitted on 18 March 2026, asks what legal, diplomatic, or regulatory tools the EU has to protect its regulatory framework, particularly the DSA, from being undermined. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Ask if Translation of Sanctioned Russian Media Content Circumvents EU Sanctions
Following reports of pro-Kremlin narratives being spread through a network of inauthentic news websites, MEP Jan Farský (PPE) questioned the Commission on potential circumvention of EU sanctions. The question, E-001131/2026, submitted on 18 March 2026, asks if the systematic translation and republication of content from sanctioned Russian state media outlets like Rossiya Segodnya constitutes a breach of EU restrictive measures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Raise Privacy and Security Risks of Age Verification Procedures
A group of MEPs from the PfE group submitted question E-001173/2026 on 20 March 2026 regarding age verification methods on social media. They express concern that procedures involving sensitive data like proof of identity or facial recognition pose significant risks to privacy and data security, especially with the rise of AI-facilitated hacking. The MEPs ask the Commission how it will protect citizens from surveillance and why less intrusive measures are not being prioritized. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Monitors Energy Footprint of AI and Cryptocurrency
The Commission is monitoring the energy impact of cryptocurrency mining and AI, according to a 23 March 2026 reply from Commissioner Jørgensen. The answer to E-004535/2025 notes an ongoing study to estimate the carbon footprint of AI and provides figures on current energy use. It estimates that AI data centres, which accounted for 1.5% of global electricity demand in 2024, could see consumption rise to 1000 TWh by 2030. The Commission also pointed to transparency obligations on climate impacts under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation.
❗ Commission Highlights Digitalisation of Waste Shipment Procedures
In a response concerning PFAS contamination in waste, the Commission mentioned the upcoming digitalisation of waste shipment procedures. The answer from Commissioner Roswall on 24 March 2026 to E-000147/2026 states that from 21 May 2026, procedures will be managed via a central digital system (DIWASS). This will allow authorities and operators to exchange documents and information electronically, enabling better monitoring and control of waste movements.
❗ Commission Reinforces Single Market Enforcement and Product Rules
Executive Vice-President Séjourné, in two separate answers on 20 March 2026, outlined plans to strengthen the Single Market. Responding to E-000449/2026, he noted that a revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation and the EU Customs Reform will reinforce controls on non-compliant products from third countries. In the answer to P-000368/2026, he mentioned the upcoming ‘One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan’ and a European Product Act proposal to streamline product rules and standard-setting processes.
❗ Commission Defers to Frontex on ‘RECAPP’ Digital Tool
When asked about digital applications being developed by Frontex to implement the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) reform, particularly the ‘RECAPP’ app, the Commission deferred responsibility. In the 26 March 2026 reply to E-000578/2026, Commissioner Brunner stated that the question falls under Frontex’s responsibility and that the agency’s reply will be forwarded once received.
Based on the Commission’s answers this week, a clear focus on the implementation and enforcement of the EU’s digital legislative arsenal is evident. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is consistently positioned as the central instrument for tackling a wide array of online harms, from deceptive advertising and scams on Meta’s platforms to the systemic risks of disinformation amplified by fake accounts. The Commission’s replies suggest a methodical approach, referencing ongoing investigations and the use of formal procedures under the DSA, indicating a shift from rule-making to active regulatory supervision. This enforcement posture is complemented by a suite of interconnected policies, such as the European Democracy Shield and the Code of Conduct on Disinformation, which are framed as reinforcing the DSA’s objectives.
A second major theme is the continued drive for ‘technological sovereignty’. The Commission’s discourse links industrial policy directly to geopolitical autonomy, as seen in the announcements of a forthcoming ‘Cloud and AI Development Act’ to counter reliance on US hyperscalers and a ‘Chips Act 2’ to bolster the semiconductor value chain. This narrative of building indigenous capacity while regulating the market suggests a dual-track strategy: establishing Europe as a rule-setter through legislation like the DSA and DMA, while simultaneously fostering a competitive European tech ecosystem to reduce strategic dependencies. This approach aims to ensure that Europe can not only set the rules for the digital space but also develop and control the critical technologies that underpin it.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
