The European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee, in a workshop on 24 June 2026, revealed significant differences among MEPs and experts on digital consumer rights, enforcement of EU digital laws, and the proposed Digital Omnibus and Digital Networks Act. Chair Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA) oversaw discussions where experts argued that digital products erode traditional ownership due to licensing, updates, and remote services, calling for stronger duties on update duration and remedies against premature obsolescence. The workshop, which drew on academic and Commission input, highlighted a split between those prioritising consumer protection and those favouring simplification and industry flexibility.
Experts Christiane Wendehorst (University of Vienna), Alberto De Franceschi (University of Ferrara), and Marco Loos (Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law) warned that current rules leave consumers with weak post-warranty protection, urging the Commission to impose clearer obligations on update duration and transparency. Martins Prieditis (European Commission – DG JUST) outlined existing update duties and noted an autumn 2026 implementation report. Hans Schulte-Nölke and Mary-Rose McGuire (European Law Institute) presented a study favouring a horizontal enforcement toolbox for the digital rulebook, citing fragmentation across the GDPR, DSA, and Data Act. Pablo Arias Echeverría (EPP) and Maria Grapini (S&D) pushed for clearer contract summaries and better consumer information, though Wendehorst cautioned that transparency alone is insufficient.
On the Digital Omnibus, Alex Agius Saliba (S&D) backed simplification but opposed deregulation, particularly the repeal of the Platform-to-Business (P2B) Regulation, while Sophia Kircher (EPP) welcomed P2B retention and GDPR simplification. The Commission (DG CONNECT) defended the Omnibus as clarification, not deregulation. On the Digital Networks Act, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renew) proposed five priorities including binding conciliation, while Alexandra Geese (Greens/EFA) and Kateřina Konečná (The Left) criticised voluntary conciliation and weaker consumer protections. The Commission rejected a fair share mechanism and linked slow fibre rollout to copper persistence. Christel Schaldemose (S&D) handled the Single Market and Customs Programme, with Dirk Gotink (EPP) stressing customs costs and Katrin Langensiepen (Greens/EFA) insisting on 95% co-financing. Amendment deadlines are set for 7–8 July, with IMCO votes planned for November 2026. The common-charger review was postponed.
Consumers may benefit from stronger update duties and remedies against obsolescence, but could face higher costs if manufacturers pass on compliance expenses. Digital product manufacturers and telecom operators face potential new obligations on update duration and network investment, with the rejection of fair share easing their cost burden but voluntary conciliation creating uncertainty. National enforcement authorities would need to coordinate across fragmented digital rules, with a horizontal toolbox potentially streamlining their work but requiring additional resources.