The European Parliament's LIBE committee on 13 July 2026 debated the Irish Presidency's priorities on rule of law, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) regulation, and terrorism, with MEPs pushing for stronger tools while diverging on the methods of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG).
Thomas Byrne, representing the Irish Presidency, defended the annual rule-of-law dialogue and pledged progress on the CSAM file. Lena Düpont (EPP) urged fuller use of the existing toolbox, while Birgit Sippel (S&D) flagged concerns over Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, and Greece. Fabrice Leggeri (PfE) called for scrutiny of Spain and France and attacked DRFMG methods as partial. Sophie Wilmès (Renew) defended the DRFMG's in-camera meetings, while Leggeri argued its priorities were left-driven. On Hungary, Byrne noted welcome steps by the new government but kept the Article 7 process in focus. M. Wawrykiewicz (EPP) welcomed the end of the Orbán government, and C. Ridel (S&D) credited Parliament's firmness.
On CSAM, Assita Kanko (ECR) pressed for conclusion of the regulation, while Michael McNamara (Renew) warned against an interim route that could block permanent safeguards. António Tânger Corrêa (PfE) rejected scanning and encryption weakening. Chair J. Zarzalejos reported progress on risk assessment but said detection orders remain unresolved, with the next trilogue scheduled for 29 September. On terrorism, Anna Sjoberg (Europol) described a diverse threat with jihadist extremism still the most lethal. Leggeri emphasised jihadism, while M. Kaminski (PfE) cited Russian state-sponsored terrorism. Sjoberg noted limits to Europol's mandate.
Consensus emerged on rule of law as foundational, the need for continued Hungary scrutiny, child protection online, the serious terrorist threat, and stronger cross-border cooperation. Next steps include the Commission's rule-of-law report, DRFMG missions to Bulgaria and Hungary, and the CSAM trilogue on 29 September. The debate highlighted a cleavage between those supporting robust EU-level monitoring (Renew, S&D) and those questioning its impartiality (PfE), with implications for member states' sovereignty and the effectiveness of EU rule-of-law tools. Tech platforms face potential new obligations under CSAM, while law enforcement gains tools but civil liberties advocates warn of privacy risks.