The European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee debated AI safety, cybersecurity, the common charger directive, and the Circular Economy Act on 14 July 2026, revealing divisions on digital sovereignty and regulatory scope.
On AI, Donny Greenberg of Anthropic defended restricted rollout and cooperation with authorities, but MEPs questioned Europe's reliance on US models. Dirk Gotink (EPP) warned of technological exposure, while Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA) and Brando Benifei (S&D) pushed for stronger European digital sovereignty. Virginie Joron (PfE) criticised EU burdens on firms, and Leïla Chaibi (The Left) and Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (EPP) pressed on data protection and legal guarantees. Greenberg stressed system-wide cyber hygiene over reliance on one model. Lucia Scioli of the European Commission's AI Office highlighted the AI and cyber action plan.
On the common charger, Alex Agius Saliba (S&D) backed scope extension, while Gotink questioned the need for legislation if voluntary uptake occurs. Anna Xavier of DG GROW cited safety exclusions and an ongoing unbundling study.
For the Circular Economy Act, Stefano Soro of DG GROW presented harmonised extended producer responsibility (EPR) and end-of-waste criteria. Adina Vălean (EPP) urged technological neutrality and mutual recognition; Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D) stressed social standards; Cavazzini called for ambitious targets. Soro ruled out targets for now.
Votes passed on the single market and customs programme, the 2027 budget, and the digitalisation omnibus; opinions on batteries and packaging waste failed. Next IMCO meetings are scheduled for 2 and 10 September.