The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 9 June 2026 debated the Digital Omnibus, European Competitiveness Fund, international digital strategy, D9+ outcomes, and protection of minors online. The Cypriot Presidency presented the Omnibus as a simplification package with AI and digital proposals, noting 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 Fund's digital envelope, and outlined Commission action on minors' safety.
Key divergences emerged. Germany pushed for stronger simplification to reduce legal uncertainty for SMEs, while Denmark warned against diluting GDPR. On the Competitiveness Fund, Virkkunen defended a centralized approach with a €70 billion digital envelope, but the Presidency noted sensitivity on the cyber single entry point. On international strategy, Germany called for closer member state involvement. On minors, France supported a harmonized digital majority, Estonia opposed it favoring platform obligations, and Germany urged caution before revising regulation.
Consensus existed on urgency of child safety and need for simplification without weakening protections. Next steps include a partial general approach on the Fund in the General Affairs Council on 16 June, a digital fitness check, and the Digital Fairness Act in Q4 2026.
Tech companies and SMEs face reduced legal uncertainty if simplification proceeds, but GDPR dilution could weaken consumer data protection. Minors may benefit from harmonized safety rules, while national authorities would face implementation costs under a centralized Fund approach.