Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission replies published between 8 September and 12 September 2025 . The key policy areas under scrutiny include the enforcement and scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) , the cybersecurity of EU institutions and critical sectors, and the rules governing non-EU participation in strategic funding programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF) and Horizon Europe . The Commission’s responses consistently position it as an administrator of established legal frameworks, emphasising procedural correctness and the specific remits of its authority. This focus on implementation and the clarification of jurisdictional boundaries provides crucial insight for digital-policy professionals navigating the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Digital Services Act (DSA) & Digital Markets Act (DMA)
❗ Commission Clarifies DSA Supervisory Scope Regarding Smaller Platforms
In response to a question from Paolo Inselvini (ECR) regarding the removal of a blog from Google’s Blogger platform, the Commission clarified the limits of its direct supervisory powers under the Digital Services Act (DSA). In a reply on 12 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that the Commission’s direct supervision applies only to designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Search Engines. As Blogger does not meet this threshold, compliance issues for smaller platforms fall under the jurisdiction of the competent national Digital Services Coordinator, as detailed in question E-003054/25 .
❗ Commission Outlines DSA Advertising Rules in Response to Concerns Over Israeli State Campaigns
A cross-party group of MEPs raised concerns about alleged Israeli state-affiliated online advertising campaigns targeting EU users, questioning compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). In a 12 September 2025 reply, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined the DSA’s obligations on advertising transparency, the prohibition of profiling based on political opinions, and special protections for minors. The Commission confirmed it is continuously monitoring all VLOPs and has opened investigations into Meta, TikTok, and X concerning advertising transparency and risks to civic discourse, but noted in E-002936/25 that the DSA does not have extra-territorial effect and applies only to services provided within the EU.
❗ Commission Confirms Monitoring of DMA’s Impact on SMEs and Ongoing Alphabet Investigation
Responding to concerns raised by Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) about the negative impact of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on SMEs in the hotel and aviation sectors, the Commission stated it is closely monitoring the law’s effects. In a reply on 8 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Ribera highlighted an ongoing investigation into Alphabet’s compliance with Article 6(5) of the DMA, which prohibits self-preferencing of services like Google Flights and Google Hotels. The Commission noted in E-002318/25 that it is holding workshops with various stakeholders to assess how best to ensure compliance.
❓ MEPs Question Alleged Censorship and Geopolitical Pressures on DSA and DMA
Several pending questions highlight growing political scrutiny of the EU’s core digital regulations. In E-003513/2025 , Erik Kaliňák (NI) questions how the Commission will prevent the DSA from being used for “targeted censorship of conservative views.” Fernand Kartheiser (NI) asks in E-003486/2025 about the DSA’s impact on EU-US relations following a US House Judiciary Committee hearing. Additionally, Sandro Gozi (Renew) presses the Commission in E-003529/2025 to explain an alleged postponement of antitrust proceedings against Google amid reported pressure from the US. Responses to these questions are pending.
Cybersecurity & Resilience
❗ Commission Defends Cybersecurity of EU Institutions, Citing New Regulation
When questioned by Mihai Tudose (S&D) about reported IT security shortcomings in EU institutions, the Commission stated it takes cybersecurity “very seriously.” In a 12 September 2025 answer, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen pointed to Regulation 2023/2841 as the key instrument for improving the cybersecurity posture of all EU bodies. The Commission noted in E-002827/25 that it could not comment on the validity of the cited media report due to a lack of information but highlighted its own proactive measures, in-house expertise, and staff training via its CyberAware programme.
❗ Commission Details Action Plan for Healthcare Cybersecurity
In response to a query from Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE) on cybersecurity in the medical sector, the Commission outlined its European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers. Executive Vice-President Virkkunen’s reply on 8 September 2025 detailed measures including a service catalogue from ENISA, dedicated funding calls from the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, and the inclusion of health as a critical sector under the NIS2 Directive. The Commission confirmed in E-002715/25 its commitment to strengthening the security of healthcare systems across the Union.
❗ Commission Clarifies Independence and Funding of European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)
Following questions from Catherine Griset (PfE) and other MEPs about EU control over the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the Commission clarified that EDMO is not an EU body. In a 12 September 2025 reply, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen described EDMO as an “independent multidisciplinary community” supported by the Digital Europe Programme. The Commission stated in E-003077/25 that EDMO operates with full editorial independence and that its members are selected via competitive calls, with the EU allocating approximately EUR 22 million to its activities over the last three years.
❗ Commission Outlines Frameworks for Public Sector Digital Interoperability
The Commission detailed its multi-faceted approach to supporting digital governance and interoperability of public services across the EU. In a reply on 11 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen referenced the European Interoperability Framework, the Interoperable Europe Act, and the Strategy on Common European Data Spaces as key pillars. The answer in E-002838/25 also highlighted funding instruments like the Technical Support Instrument and the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs in modernising administrative processes.
❗ Investigation into Iberian Power Outage Underway, Commission Confirms
Responding to a question about a major power outage in Spain and Portugal, the Commission confirmed that an investigation by an independent panel of Transmission System Operators, ACER, and national regulators has been established. In a 9 September 2025 reply, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that a final report is expected by September 2026. The Commission also noted in E-001841/2025 that work on the Biscay Bay electricity interconnection is progressing, which will double interconnection capacity between France and Spain by its expected commissioning in 2028.
❗ Commission Details Support for STEM Education and EdTech Innovation
Addressing concerns from Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) about the EU’s underperformance in STEM fields, the Commission highlighted its Action Plan on Basic Skills and STEM Education Strategic Plan. In an 8 September 2025 reply, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu confirmed that Member States will be invited to coordinate national STEM strategies. The Commission also noted in E-003023/25 that the Digital Europe Programme will fund an EdTech accelerator in 2026 to scale innovative EU companies, with Erasmus+ funding available for projects like STEM competitions.
❗ Commission Confirms Governance Plans for European Competitiveness Fund
The Commission affirmed its commitment to ensuring effective management and accountability for the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). In a reply on 11 September 2025, Commissioner Serafin stated that the leadership of the ECF and the participation of relevant Directorates-General will be confirmed in due course. The response in E-003055/2025 indicates that the operational timing for drafting work programmes will depend on the final MFF package adopted by the co-legislators.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over Future of LIFE Programme within New Fund
César Luena (S&D) has submitted a question ( E-003508/2025 ) expressing concern that integrating the LIFE programme into the broader European Competitiveness Fund could weaken its focus on environmental protection and reduce funding for the green transition. The MEP asks how the Commission will ensure funding is not diverted from climate and conservation projects. A reply is pending.
❗ Commission Defends EDF Funding for EU Firm Controlled by Israeli Parent Company
In a series of related replies ( E-003011/25 , E-002865/25 , E-003012/25 ), the Commission addressed concerns about European Defence Fund (EDF) funding for Intracom Defense, a Greek company controlled by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Commissioner Kubilius repeatedly stated that EU-based entities controlled by non-EU companies may participate in the EDF if “robust safeguards” are in place, approved by the Member State of establishment. The Commission confirmed it assessed the submitted guarantees and found them compliant with the EDF Regulation, ensuring that sensitive information, results, and intellectual property remain with the EU-based entity.
❗ Commission Confirms Partial Suspension of Israel’s Horizon Europe Participation
In replies concerning the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the Commission and High Representative confirmed that a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the agreement was conducted. Following this review, the Commission proposed on 29 July 2025 to partially suspend Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. As detailed in answers E-003071/2025 and E-002512/25 , the suspension specifically concerns participation in activities funded under the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator. The proposal is currently under discussion by Member States in the Council.
❓ MEP Questions Horizon Europe Funding for Israeli Military Industry
Lynn Boylan (The Left) has asked the Commission in E-003467/2025 about Horizon Europe funds awarded to Israeli military companies, questioning whether this complies with the programme’s rules permitting funding only for civilian applications. The MEP asks if the Commission will demand reimbursement and improve due diligence. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Highlights New EU-Brazil Agreement to Strengthen Europol Cooperation
In a response to Ana Miguel Pedro (PPE) regarding the infiltration of the PCC criminal group in Europe, the Commission outlined its strategy to fight organised crime. Commissioner Brunner’s reply on 9 September 2025 noted that the new EU-Brazil agreement with Europol, once in force, will provide a legal basis for exchanging personal data to counter serious crime. This will enhance Europol’s analytical systems and support cross-border investigations, as stated in P-002759/25 .
❗ Commission Has No Plans to Create EU Body for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
The Commission stated it does not intend to create a dedicated body for gathering knowledge on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). In a 10 September 2025 reply, Commissioner Kubilius clarified in E-002267/25 that Member States handle such matters according to national security needs. The Commission noted its commitment to space situational awareness under the EU Space Regulation and mentioned that EASA may receive safety reports on unidentified airborne objects that could endanger civil aviation.
❗ Commission Plans to Strengthen Europol’s Mandate and Inter-Agency Data Exchange
Responding to concerns about insufficient cooperation among EU agencies to combat organised crime, the Commission outlined plans to enhance their capabilities. In a 12 September 2025 reply, Commissioner Brunner announced that legislation will be proposed in 2026 to transform Europol into a “truly operational agency.” The Commission also highlighted in E-002671/25 its roadmap for effective and lawful access to data for law enforcement and the implementation of the e-evidence IT system for secure cross-border exchange.
❗ Commission Confirms No Plans to Harmonise Ride-Hailing Regulations
The Commission has clarified that it does not intend to propose legislation harmonising the rules on taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) like Uber. In a 12 September 2025 reply to Markus Buchheit (ESN), Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated in E-002635/25 that its focus is on ensuring fundamental freedoms under the Treaties are respected, referencing a 2022 Notice that clarifies the limits of Member State regulation in the sector.
The Commission’s replies from this period reveal an institution deeply engaged in the granular implementation and defence of its established digital and strategic frameworks. A primary cross-cutting theme is the emphasis on procedural enforcement and jurisdictional clarity . In responses concerning the DSA ( E-003054/25 ) and DMA ( E-002318/25 ), the Commission carefully delineates its direct supervisory powers over VLOPs from the responsibilities of national authorities, pointing to ongoing, formal investigations rather than commenting on specific new allegations. This suggests a methodical, evidence-based approach to enforcement that prioritises legal process over political reaction.
A second significant trend is the Commission’s reliance on existing legal texts to navigate geopolitically sensitive issues . The repeated justifications for European Defence Fund (EDF) financing for an EU entity controlled by a non-EU parent ( E-003011/25 , E-002865/25 ) are anchored strictly in the EDF Regulation’s provisions for “robust safeguards” approved at the Member State level. This positions the Commission as an administrator of rules set by the co-legislators, thereby deflecting direct political responsibility. Similarly, the partial suspension of Israel’s Horizon Europe participation is explicitly framed as a consequence of a formal review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, linking a significant policy action to a pre-existing diplomatic and legal mechanism.
Finally, the documents underscore the Commission’s strategy of leveraging digitalisation as a cross-sectoral policy tool . Digital solutions are presented as central to enhancing security in healthcare ( E-002715/25 ), improving public administration ( E-002838/25 ), and strengthening law enforcement cooperation ( E-002671/25 ). This indicates a consistent institutional view that digital infrastructure and governance are not siloed issues but foundational elements for achieving broader EU objectives in security, competitiveness, and internal market efficiency. Overall, the Commission’s posture is one of a regulator focused on methodical implementation, using its legal frameworks as both a shield and a guide in a complex political environment.
