The European Parliament's civil liberties committee (LIBE) on 24 June 2026 debated the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026–2030, revealing a sharp divide between MEPs who see structural racism as a systemic problem requiring legal action and those who reject the concept as ideologically driven. Fabrice Leggeri (PfE) called the approach ideological and argued structural racism is undefined in EU law, while Alexandre Varaut (PfE) disputed claims of institutional racism. On the other side, Mélissa Camara (Greens/EFA) argued structural racism should shape all Commission proposals, including migration, and Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left) tied the strategy's credibility to transparent civil society funding. Michaela Moua of the 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, while 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. Birgit Sippel (S&D) stressed intersectionality, while Malika Sorel (NI) cautioned against reducing social problems to origin. The debate also covered digital policy, child safety, and rule of law. On digital, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen defended the digital omnibus as simplification preserving GDPR, supporting AI and tech sovereignty. Ana Miguel Pedro (EPP) urged Europe to build technology, while Oliver Schenk (EPP) welcomed the omnibus. Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left) pushed for open-source alternatives, and Birgit Sippel argued the omnibus weakens data protection. Kristian Vigenin (S&D) warned of energy pressures from AI infrastructure.
On child safety, Virkkunen highlighted DSA actions and EU age verification. Assita Kanko (ECR) asked about minimum age and privacy, while 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, and Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle (Renew) pressed for media freedom. Virkkunen cited existing instruments, while 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.