Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and European Commission replies published between 1 September and 5 September 2025. The period is marked by a significant focus on the enforcement and implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), with the Commission detailing actions against major online platforms concerning illegal content, age verification, and researcher data access. Other key policy areas addressed include the progress of the Chips Act, the development of sovereign EU satellite infrastructure, and the clarification of data governance rules under the GDPR and for law enforcement purposes. The Commission’s responses consistently position it as an active supervisor of the digital single market, emphasizing its enforcement powers while also delineating the boundaries of its competence versus that of Member States. These developments provide critical insights for digital policy professionals into the EU’s transition from legislative drafting to the practical, and often contentious, phase of regulatory implementation.
DSA Enforcement & Implementation
❗ Commission Details DSA Enforcement on Researcher Data Access
In a reply on 4 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen addressed concerns about the implementation of the Digital Services Act’s provisions for researcher data access. The response to PQ E-003068/25 highlights that the Commission is “diligently enforcing” Article 40 of the DSA. It points to the recent delegated act on data access as a key measure to harmonise procedures and confirms it has initiated proceedings against six VLOPs regarding their compliance. The Commission also noted that its enforcement actions have yielded positive results, citing binding commitments secured from AliExpress to improve data access for researchers.
❗ Commission Outlines Actions on Age Verification for Pornographic Content
Responding to questions about the protection of minors online, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen detailed the Commission’s enforcement priorities under the Digital Services Act. The 5 September 2025 answer to PQ E-002830/25 confirms the Commission has initiated proceedings against Pornhub, Stripchat, and other platforms over potential DSA breaches related to minors’ access and age verification. The reply also highlights the recent publication of guidelines on the protection of minors online and the launch of a pilot age-verification app, intended as a bridge until the EU Digital Wallet becomes available in 2026.
❗ Commission Confirms DSA Enforcement Actions Against Online Marketplaces
The Commission is taking concrete steps to enforce EU rules on online marketplaces, regardless of their place of establishment. In a 3 September 2025 response to PQ E-002892/25 , Executive Vice-President Virkkunen confirmed that the Digital Services Act contains measures to ensure products sold online comply with safety requirements. The Commission cited its ongoing proceedings against AliExpress and Temu, which have already resulted in preliminary findings of infringements and binding commitments, as evidence of its supervisory actions.
❗ DSA Does Not Regulate Speech, Commission Clarifies
The Digital Services Act (DSA) does not define what content is permissible online or what constitutes disinformation, nor does it regulate speech. This clarification was provided by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on 3 September 2025 in response to PQ E-002768/25 . The Commission stated that the DSA obliges very large online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks, including to civic discourse, while protecting fundamental rights like freedom of expression. It also highlighted that the Code of Conduct on Disinformation, now integrated into the DSA framework, is a voluntary tool not geared towards content removal but towards providing users with more context and tools.
❗ DSA and AVMSD are “Fully Complementary” for Protecting Minors
The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) are fully complementary in their objective to protect minors online, according to the Commission. In a 3 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002956/25 , Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that the DSA strengthens protections with uniform rules across the EU. The Commission also noted that it is monitoring the implementation of the AVMSD and will submit an ex-post evaluation of the directive, including its impact on the protection of minors, by December 2026.
❗ VLOP Supervisory Fees Cover DSA Compliance Costs, Not EU Budget
The costs incurred by the Commission for its supervisory tasks under the Digital Services Act (DSA), including the enlargement of its compliance team, are financed by supervisory fees charged to providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines. In a 3 September 2025 answer to PQ E-003076/25 , Executive Vice-President Virkkunen clarified that these activities are not funded by any other EU budget allocation. The Commission also stated it does not currently intend to dismantle agencies set up under recent digital legislation but noted their added value would likely be assessed as part of future evaluations.
❓ MEPs Probe Enforcement on Illicit Use of Digital Services for IP Infringement
MEP Leire Pajín (S&D) has questioned the Commission on the compliance of intermediary services like DNSs, CDNs, and VPNs with their obligations to act on illegal content, particularly when used to circumvent intellectual property protections. Submitted on 5 September 2025, PQ E-003459/2025 asks how the Commission is monitoring compliance with judicial and administrative orders to remove or disable access to infringing content. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on DSA Action Against Illegal Vape Ads on Snapchat
MEPs Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE) and Mohammed Chahim (S&D) are pressing the Commission on whether it is investigating Snapchat for the alleged spread of illegal vape advertisements targeting children. In PQ E-003366/2025 , submitted on 2 September 2025, they ask if this constitutes a violation of the Digital Services Act, specifically its provisions on notice-and-action and systemic risks to health and minors. A response is pending.
❓ Scrutiny on Adtech Transparency and KYC Obligations Under DSA/DMA
MEP Andreas Schwab (PPE) is seeking the Commission’s assessment of the transparency and accountability obligations for adtech intermediaries under existing EU frameworks. PQ E-003344/2025 , submitted on 1 September 2025, asks whether frameworks like the DSA or DMA could be amended to introduce Know Your Counterparty (KYC) obligations for automated, cross-border ad transactions and what assessment has been made of an EU-wide registration system. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Raise Concerns Over Misleading Online Booking Practices
The Commission has been asked to assess misleading booking practices on online travel platforms, such as creating a false sense of urgency with claims like “last room available.” In PQ E-003452/2025 , submitted on 5 September 2025 by Loucas Fourlas (PPE), MEPs question whether these tactics violate EU consumer protection law and what measures are planned to tighten oversight and enhance transparency. A response is pending.
Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure
❗ NIS2 Directive Applies to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sectors
The Commission has confirmed that the drinking water and wastewater sectors are among the 18 critical sectors covered by the NIS2 Directive. In a 1 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002729/2025 , Commissioner Roswall stated that entities in these sectors must implement cybersecurity risk-management measures and report significant incidents. This framework, along with the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, is designed to address both online and offline risks, from cyberattacks to natural disasters.
Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)
❗ Commission Confirms Withdrawal of SEP Regulation Proposal
The Commission has formally withdrawn its proposal for a regulation on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), citing a “protracted inability to reach an agreement” in the Council. In parallel replies on 4 September 2025 to PQ E-002302/25 and PQ E-002938/25 , Executive Vice-President Séjourné explained that neither the Parliament nor the Council adopted a clear signal of support for the proposal within the indicated timetable. The Commission stated it remains convinced of the need to address SEP market failures and will revisit its policy stance should circumstances change, while continuing to monitor market developments.
❗ European Media Freedom Act Includes Safeguards Against Spyware
The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which fully entered into application on 8 August 2025, includes important safeguards against the deployment of spyware on journalists. In a 3 September 2025 response to PQ E-002952/25 concerning media freedom in Germany, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen highlighted that Article 4 of the EMFA reinforces protection for media freedom by ensuring journalists cannot, in principle, be spied on for doing their work. The Commission remains committed to engaging with Member States on compliance while respecting national security competence.
❓ MEP Questions Data Protection in New Mandatory Vehicle Systems
MEP Petra Steger (PfE) has raised concerns about data protection and surveillance related to new mandatory vehicle systems under the General Product Safety Regulation, such as event data recorders and driver monitoring systems. Submitted on 4 September 2025, PQ E-003423/2025 asks the Commission what it is doing to ensure citizens’ privacy is not invaded and to prevent “permanent digital surveillance.” A response is pending.
❗ Commission Confirms Impact Assessment for Updating Data Retention Rules
The Commission is carrying out an impact assessment with a view to updating EU rules on data retention. In a 3 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002538/25 , Commissioner Brunner confirmed the assessment, launched in May 2025, aims to identify policy options to ensure the availability of non-content data for criminal investigations while protecting fundamental rights. The reply also noted that the proposal for an ePrivacy Regulation will be withdrawn, and the Commission is assessing future options for rules on the privacy of communications data.
❗ GDPR Applies to Genetic Data, But Enforcement is a National Competence
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to the processing of genetic material from newborns, which falls under special categories of personal data requiring additional protection. However, in a 3 September 2025 response to PQ E-002092/25 , Commissioner McGrath clarified that the monitoring and enforcement of the GDPR falls within the competence of national data protection authorities (DPAs) and courts. The Commission stated it has no plans to establish a common European framework for bioethics and the genetic data of minors, as this remains largely a national competence.
❗ Commission Provides Timelines for Large-Scale IT System Rollout
The Commission has provided an updated timeline for the implementation of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security, and justice. In a 3 September 2025 answer to PQ E-000909/25 , Commissioner Brunner confirmed the Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operating on 12 October 2025, while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is planned for the last quarter of 2026. The Commission also clarified that eu-LISA, not the Commission, is responsible for the EES development contract.
❓ MEP Seeks Data on Digital Twin Ocean Project’s Energy Consumption
MEP Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN) has asked the Commission for detailed information on the energy consumption of the European Digital Twin Ocean project since its inception in 2021. The question, PQ E-003406/2025 , submitted on 3 September 2025, requests a year-by-year breakdown of energy use, including the split between renewable and non-renewable sources, for all infrastructure related to the project. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Highlights EU Support for Combating Telephone Scams
While addressing telephone scams is primarily a Member State competence, the Commission provides support through various initiatives. In a 5 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002686/25 , Commissioner Brunner pointed to the ProtectEU Strategy and EMPACT as frameworks for enhancing collaboration. The Commission also promotes digital literacy via the Digital Education Action Plan and noted that regulatory frameworks like the NIS2 Directive and the European Electronic Communications Code help mitigate fraudulent calls. Possible further measures are being assessed as part of the future Digital Networks Act.
❗ Commission Defends Shift to Electronic Medicine Leaflets
The Commission’s proposal to introduce electronic alternatives to paper package leaflets for medicines aims to enhance patient safety and improve medicine access across the Union. Responding to PQ P-002901/25 on 5 September 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the reform addresses issues like medicine shortages and multilingual packaging while being environmentally friendly. The proposal ensures accessibility for all, as paper versions must remain available on demand and free of charge if Member States opt for electronic-only leaflets.
❓ MEPs Call for Fair Remuneration for Artists on Music Streaming Platforms
A group of S&D MEPs, led by Nicola Zingaretti, is pressing the Commission to investigate the music streaming market to ensure artists receive fair remuneration. PQ E-003362/2025 , submitted on 2 September 2025, asks if the Commission will propose new transparency obligations for platforms and whether it will establish a “European industrial strategy for music” as suggested by Parliament. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on Decline of Pharmacies and Online Medicine Sales
MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) has asked the Commission what it is doing to counter the decline in the number of pharmacies in Europe and how it intends to regulate the “excessive, uncontrolled and often dangerous” online trade in medicines. The question, PQ E-003369/2025 , submitted on 2 September 2025, also seeks information on measures to combat inadequate service provision in rural areas. A response is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over Commercial Drone Operations in Dublin
The Commission has been asked to clarify whether Ireland is meeting its obligations under EU aviation safety and environmental law regarding the permitting of commercial drone operations. In PQ E-003463/2025 , submitted on 5 September 2025 by Lynn Boylan (The Left), concerns are raised about the lack of impact assessments on noise, privacy, and the environment for drone activities in Dublin. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Reports Progress on Chips Act Investments
The Commission is closely monitoring the implementation of the Chips Act, reporting significant investment mobilisation. In a 3 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002968/2025 , Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that over €80 billion in private investments in manufacturing have been announced under Pillar II, with the Commission approving State aid for eight projects. While acknowledging the Digital Decade target of 20% of global semiconductor production by 2030 remains “challenging,” the Commission projects the EU’s production will more than double by 2030 in a market expected to reach one trillion dollars.
❗ EU Developing Sovereign Satellite System IRIS² to Boost Competitiveness
The EU is developing its own secure satellite communications infrastructure, IRIS², to support high-speed, low-latency applications for governmental and commercial needs. In a 4 September 2025 response to PQ E-003008/25 , Executive Vice-President Virkkunen outlined that IRIS², expected to be operational in 2030, will be complemented by the Govsatcom programme and funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. The forthcoming Digital Networks Act is also intended to boost EU competitiveness and address barriers to pan-European satellite services.
❗ Commission Highlights Initiatives to Attract International AI and STEM Talent
The EU has several mechanisms to attract and retain international talent in critical sectors like AI and STEM. In a 5 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002642/25 , Commissioner Brunner highlighted Directive (EU) 2016/801, which allows researchers and students to stay for at least nine months post-study to seek employment. Other initiatives include the EU Talent Pool job matching platform and the €500 million ‘Choose Europe for Science’ package under Horizon Europe to help the EU remain competitive in the global race for talent.
❓ MEPs Link Nuclear Energy to Europe’s AI Competitiveness
A group of ECR MEPs led by Charlie Weimers has asked the Commission how it assesses the role of nuclear energy in supporting Europe’s AI competitiveness and energy resilience. PQ E-003455/2025 , submitted on 5 September 2025, argues that underinvestment in nuclear power threatens the EU’s digital competitiveness in energy-hungry sectors like AI. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Priorities for EU Technological Leadership Questioned
MEP Loucas Fourlas (PPE) is seeking clarity on the Commission’s priorities for strengthening the EU’s technological self-sufficiency and leadership in areas like AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The question, PQ E-003445/2025 , submitted on 5 September 2025, also asks for an assessment of progress on existing strategic technology programmes and what measures are proposed to strengthen innovation in SMEs and universities. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel’s Horizon Europe Participation
Following a review of Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the Commission has proposed to partially suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe programme. In replies to PQ E-003100/25 and PQ E-003098/25 , High Representative/Vice-President Kallas stated the review concluded there are “indications that Israel may have violated human rights obligations in Gaza.” The proposed suspension specifically concerns the participation of Israeli entities in the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator. The Commission noted there is currently no consensus among Member States for a full suspension of the Association Agreement.
❗ Net Zero Industry Act to Include Resilience Criteria in Public Procurement
The Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) will require public procurement procedures and other support schemes to include resilience requirements to promote supply diversification and avoid excessive dependency on single countries. In a 2 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002005/2025 , Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed these rules will be applicable from the end of 2025. The Commission is also cooperating with G7+ partners to develop non-price criteria for critical products and will explore conditions for foreign investments in strategic sectors to ensure they contribute to the European industrial base.
❗ Commission Explains Rationale for E-commerce Handling Fee
The Commission has proposed a non-discriminatory handling fee for imported goods delivered directly to consumers to address the scaling costs of supervising compliance with EU rules for low-value consignments. In a 4 September 2025 response to PQ E-002917/2025 , Mr. Šefčovič clarified that the fee would be incurred by the importer (e.g., online retailer), not the consumer, and would compensate customs authorities for costs incurred. The proposal is part of the broader Customs Reform discussions currently under negotiation.
❗ Animals Not Classified as Dual-Use Items Under EU Export Rules
The Commission has clarified that animals are not considered “items” under the EU’s Dual-Use Regulation and therefore cannot be included in the list of dual-use goods subject to export controls. This was stated by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on 5 September 2025 in response to PQ E-002814/25 , which concerned the export of European dogs for military use by Israel. The reply emphasized that Member States are solely responsible for issuing export licences for dual-use items.
❓ MEPs Probe Commission Action on Russian Sanctions Evasion via Crypto
A group of Renew MEPs led by Bart Groothuis is questioning the Commission on its response to the use of cryptocurrency to bypass EU sanctions against Russia. PQ E-003377/2025 , submitted on 3 September 2025, specifically asks if the Commission will sanction the A7 cross-border trade platform and what other measures can be taken to counter the use of crypto for sanctions evasion. A response is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Impact of New EU-USA Trade Agreement on Digital Chips
MEP Daniel Buda (PPE) has asked the Commission about the implications of a new EU-USA framework agreement on trade. The question, PQ E-003442/2025 , submitted on 5 September 2025, notes that the EU has committed to wholesale imports of digital chips from the USA and asks how the Commission will safeguard the competitiveness of affected European sectors. A response is pending.
❓ Commission Queried on Level Playing Field Under Packaging Regulation
MEP Asger Christensen (Renew) is seeking assurances that non-EU businesses, particularly e-commerce platforms, will be subject to all rules in the EU’s new Packaging Regulation. In PQ E-003395/2025 , submitted on 3 September 2025, he asks how the Commission will enforce these rules on non-EU importers and what the consequences for European competitiveness will be if a level playing field is not established. A response is pending.
❗ Commission Defends Use of Interinstitutional Agreements
The Commission has defended the use of interinstitutional agreements as an important tool for efficient cooperation that does not weaken the role of national parliaments. In a 4 September 2025 reply to PQ E-002198/25 , Mr. Šefčovič stated that national parliaments retain their power to scrutinise legislative proposals for compliance with subsidiarity and proportionality. The Commission also highlighted its established political dialogue with national parliaments to facilitate their participation in EU policy-making.
❓ MEPs Demand Action on Transparency of EU Funding for NGOs
A large cross-party group of MEPs has raised serious concerns about the transparency and oversight of EU funding for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), citing a recent European Court of Auditors report. PQ E-003339/2025 , submitted on 1 September 2025, asks the Commission for concrete steps to establish a clear definition of “NGO,” launch a unified transparency portal, and verify compliance with EU values. A response is pending.
❓ MEP Links Digital Euro to “Comprehensive Monitoring of Payments”
MEP Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN) has questioned the Commission on the ECB’s public design contest for new euro banknotes, suggesting it is a distraction while the introduction of the digital euro presses ahead, leading to “comprehensive monitoring of payments.” The question, PQ E-003402/2025 , was submitted on 3 September 2025. A response from the Commission is pending.
The Commission’s replies from early September 2025 collectively signal a clear pivot from legislative development to active enforcement and implementation of the EU’s digital rulebook. A dominant theme is the operationalisation of the Digital Services Act. The Commission consistently frames itself as a hands-on supervisor, citing specific enforcement proceedings against VLOPs (AliExpress, Temu, X, porn sites), the adoption of secondary legislation like the delegated act on data access, and the issuance of new guidelines. This suggests a deliberate strategy to demonstrate the tangible impact of the new regulations and establish its authority as the central enforcer for the largest platforms.
A second cross-cutting narrative is the pursuit of strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness. The Commission’s updates on the Chips Act, the development of the IRIS² satellite system, and the resilience criteria within the Net Zero Industry Act all point to a cohesive policy of strengthening the EU’s internal capacity and reducing external dependencies. Even the withdrawal of the Standard Essential Patents proposal is positioned not as a policy reversal, but as a pause forced by a lack of political will from co-legislators, with the Commission maintaining its conviction that the underlying market failures must be addressed.
Finally, the Commission’s responses carefully delineate the boundaries of EU and national competence. In areas like GDPR enforcement, telephone scams, and export controls, the replies consistently defer to the authority of Member State bodies. This indicates a conscious effort to respect the principle of subsidiarity, even as the EU’s overall regulatory footprint in the digital sphere expands. Taken together, the material reveals an institution focused on consolidating its new regulatory powers, executing its industrial strategy, and managing the complex interplay between EU-level rules and national responsibilities.
