The European Parliament's LIBE committee on 24 June 2026 debated the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030, the digital omnibus, and child safety, exposing a sharp divide over structural racism. Fabrice Leggeri (PfE) rejected the concept as undefined in EU law, calling the approach ideological, while Mélissa Camara (Greens/EFA) argued structural racism should shape all Commission proposals, including migration. Michaela Moua (European Commission) presented the strategy as targeting structural racism, enforcement, and social inclusion, with a mid-term review. Shreya Atrey (University of Oxford) called for a stronger legal basis on structural racism and xeno-racism. Emmanuel Achiri (European Network Against Racism) welcomed the strategy but criticised weak treatment of structural racism, policing, and anti-migrant racism. Rossalina Latcheva (EU Agency for Fundamental Rights) urged rights-based implementation with equality data and measurable outcomes. Alexandre Varaut (PfE) disputed claims of institutional racism. Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left) tied strategy credibility to transparent civil society funding. Birgit Sippel (S&D) stressed intersectionality. Malika Sorel (NI) cautioned against reducing social problems to origin.
On digital, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen defended the digital omnibus as simplification preserving GDPR, supporting AI and tech sovereignty. Ana Miguel Pedro (EPP) urged Europe to build technology. Oliver Schenk (EPP) welcomed the omnibus. Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left) pushed for open-source alternatives. Birgit Sippel argued the omnibus weakens data protection. Kristian Vigenin (S&D) warned of energy pressures from AI infrastructure.
On child safety, Henna Virkkunen highlighted DSA actions and EU age verification. Assita Kanko (ECR) asked about minimum age and privacy. Fabienne Keller (Renew) requested updates on youth surveys. Jeroen Lenaers (EPP) reported trilogue success on criminalising AI-generated abuse material.
On rule of law, Saskia Bricmont (Greens/EFA) demanded stronger Commission action on spyware. Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (Renew) pressed for media freedom. Henna Virkkunen cited existing instruments. Mariusz Kamiński (ECR) raised media freedom allegations in Poland.
Consensus emerged on the need for data, enforcement, tech sovereignty, child safety, and support for the PNR agreement and child sexual abuse directive. Javier Zarzalejos (EPP) chaired and announced next steps.