EU transport, telecoms and energy ministers on 9 June 2026 debated the Digital Omnibus package, revealing a split between member states seeking stronger simplification for SMEs and those cautioning against weakening data protection rules. The Cypriot Presidency presented the Omnibus as a simplification package bundling AI and digital proposals, but noted remaining work on personal data and the cyber single entry point. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen defended the Omnibus as simplification without weakening values, backed the Competitiveness Fund's digital envelope, and outlined Commission action on minors' safety.
Germany pushed for stronger simplification to reduce legal uncertainty for SMEs, while Denmark warned against diluting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). On the Competitiveness Fund, Virkkunen defended a centralized approach with a €70 billion digital envelope, but the Presidency flagged sensitivity on the cyber single entry point. On international digital strategy, Germany called for closer member state involvement. On protection of minors online, France supported a harmonized digital majority, Estonia opposed it in favour of platform obligations, and Germany urged caution before revising existing regulation. Consensus existed on the urgency of child safety and the need for simplification without weakening protections.
Next steps include a partial general approach on the Competitiveness Fund in the General Affairs Council on 16 June, a digital fitness check, and the Digital Fairness Act expected in Q4 2026. The debate affects tech companies facing compliance costs, SMEs seeking legal clarity, minors targeted by safety measures, and national authorities balancing enforcement with sovereignty.