The European Parliament's legal affairs committee (JURI) on 23 June 2026 debated the Digital Omnibus simplification package and an EU strategy for international justice, revealing divisions over the balance between simplification and regulatory safeguards. On the Digital Omnibus, Brando Benifei (S&D) warned that simplification risked upsetting data law balance without a full impact assessment, while Diana Vaut-Kausik (DG CONNECT) defended it as support for SMEs. Emil Radev (EPP) and Ton Diepeveen (PfE) pushed for stronger trade-secret protection, but Benifei and Dainius Žalimas (Renew) insisted refusal of data access must remain a last resort. David Cormand (Greens/EFA) and Arash Saeidi (The Left) argued the Commission blurred simplification with deregulation, weakening democratic scrutiny. On international justice, Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA) called for activating the blocking statute against US sanctions targeting ICC officials, supported by Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D) and Arash Saeidi (The Left). Dainius Žalimas (Renew) urged additional coordination mechanisms. Mario Mantovani (ECR) backed the report but warned against politicisation. Consensus emerged on keeping the platform-to-business regulation for SME protection and defending international justice. Next steps: amendments due 26 June, with further exchanges planned.
Source▶ Watch debate ↗
EU Matrix analysis