Catherine GRISET

Policy topics Catherine GRISET is active on

What Catherine GRISET has said (80)

• 2026-03-20 “Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question The guidelines on the protection of minors [1] under the Digital Services Act (DSA) [2] set out guidance for where age assurance technologies should be deployed. They include minimum specifications to ensure that age assurance measures are accurate, robust, non-intrusive, reliable, and non-discriminatory. The guidelines are aligned with European Data Protection Board guidance [3] , requiring platform providers to only process data that is necessary for age assurance purposes, and to ensure that data processed for this purpose is not stored or used for other purposes. The Commission developed an age verification solution [4] allowing users to prove they are 18+ online. A blueprint is available to Member States for customisation and publication. Designed to meet the highest privacy standards, it uses ‘zero-knowledge proof’ technology to securely prove that the user has a valid age credential without revealing the credential or any other information. The user’s identity is only checked once during the issuance of the proof of age. The proof does not contain any identity data, only disclosing that the user is 18+. The trusted proof provider is not informed about online services for which the proof is used. On 29 April, the Commission adopted a recommendation urging Member States to accelerate the rollout of the age verification app and make it available by the end of 2026 [5] . Under the DSA, online platforms accessible to minors are required to provide them a high level of privacy, safety, and security. The aforementioned guidelines outline steps that platforms can take to do so, including to reduce addictive design. The Commission recently adopted preliminary findings against TikTok [6] where the Commission informed the provider that they must disable features that can contribute to excessive use. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202505519. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. [3] https://www.edpb.europa.eu/our-work-tools/our-documents/statements/statement-12025-age-assurance_en. [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/blueprint-age-verification-solution-help-protect-minors-online. [5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-urges-member-states-rollout-eu-age-verification-app [6] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_312.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Electronic identity · Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• 2026-03-17 “Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 5.6.2026 Written question 1. The European Heritage Label (EHL), with 80 sites, focuses on promotion, access, and education. Although the number of sites is increasing , its impact on tourism in Europe remains limited. The latest evaluation of the European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) [1] shows that it drives tourism, particularly in smaller, less-visited cities. An increasing number of small and medium-sized cities take part in the ECoC competition and hold the ECoC title. 2. Almost 50% of EHL sites are in rural settings or smaller towns, highlighting European significance in regions [2] . Therefore, allocation of resources for communications and capacity building for these sites is already significant, and itis continuously evaluated and used to inform future actions. The Commission is drafting the proposal for the post-2033 ECoC legal framework, considering the latest evaluation, the Call for Evidence and recommendations from stakeholders. The promotion of local heritage, also in rural areas, will be taken into consideration in the general ECoC purpose to develop cultural programmes with a strong European dimension. The Commission is also considering new actions to promote emerging and less known destinations through the upcoming European Sustainable Tourism Strategy. 3. Ongoing evaluation of the action and feedback from the open public consultation and call for evidence do not show that EHL sites face conservation challenges from unbalanced tourism. Therefore, it is not expected to adapt the criteria in that regard. The Commission is updating the selection criteria of the ECoC. It will especially consider the sustainability dimension but also the legacy dimension. [1] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/european-commission-evaluates-impact-of-european-capitals-of-culture. [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/b8f452ec-fb06-11ef-b7db-01aa75ed71a1.”
  EU and national cultural identities · EU strategy for tourism development
• 2026-03-10 “Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question The upcoming Audiovisual Media Services Directive [1] review will aim to streamline the regulatory framework for video-sharing platforms to ease complexity as well as compliance burden for businesses. Additionally, the review will consider the emerging role of content creators in the audiovisual media landscape, to ensure that the rules applicable to them are fit for purpose, while protecting audiences and fostering creativity. In addition, the EU supports the audiovisual sector through different programmes, currently mainly via Creative Europe’s MEDIA strand [2] . The Digital Services Act [3] requires providers of online platforms to set out in their terms and conditions the main parameters used in their recommender systems, including the most significant criteria in determining which content is suggested to users. Very large online platforms and very large online search engines are also required to assess and mitigate systemic risks stemming from their services, including those related to recommender systems. In January 2026, the Commission extended its investigation into X's compliance with its recommender systems’ risk management obligations. The Digital Markets Act [4] also applies to YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to ensure that these services are contestable and do not impose unfair conditions on content creators and audiences. EU competition law does not prohibit dominant positions as such. If a company acquires a strong position lawfully, this is authorised. However, once companies become dominant, they have the responsibility to avoid abusing that position. The Commission enforces Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU vigorously in digital markets. It also enforces merger control in the digital sector. The Commission can block such mergers if the parties do not offer suitable commitments. [1] Directive (EU) 2018/1808 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 amending Directive 2010/13/EU on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) in view of changing market realities https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/1808/oj/eng. [2] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/creative-europe-media-strand. [3] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R2065. [4] Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act) (Text with EEA relevance) available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/1925/oj/eng.”
  EU rules on digital competition · EU digital & tech sovereignty · Recommender systems
• 2026-03-02 “E-000858/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The European citizens’ initiative is still in examination phase in the Commission. The Commission will adopt by 27 July 2026 at the latest its formal reply in the form of a communication. The communication will then set out the Commission’s legal and political conclusions on the initiative, as well as the action it intends to take (including an envisaged timeline), if any, and its reasons for taking or not taking action. Whether videogames publishers should conclude agreements with other private entities for the exploitation or maintenance of discontinued videogames lies within the exclusive discretion and contractual freedom of those publishers.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• 2026-02-10 “E-000560/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with EU law, a measure constitutes State aid if, cumulatively, (i) it is imputable to the State and financed through State resources, (ii) it confers a selective advantage to an undertaking, (iii) it is liable to affect trade between Member States and (iv) it distorts or threatens to distort competition. Financing granted by a State-owned investment bank, therefore, may not automatically constitute State aid. If a Member State intends to grant State aid, it is under an obligation to notify the measure to the Commission and obtain the Commission’s approval before the measure is implemented, unless the measure is covered by block exemptions. The European Media Freedom Act 1 does not prohibit investments or acquisitions in the media sector as such. It provides a framework for assessing media market concentrations that may affect media pluralism and editorial independence. National regulatory authorities and, where relevant, competition authorities remain responsible for the assessment of such transactions, in accordance with EU and national law. The European Media Board or the Commission may issue an opinion where the concentration is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. The conduct and the organisation of free and fair elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional and legislative rules, while respecting their international obligations and EU law. National competent authorities and courts have the primary responsibility of ensuring compliance with these rules, including several EU rules applicable in electoral contexts such as the political advertising Regulation 2 or the General Data Protection Regulation 3 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083. 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/900 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2024 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng. 3 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng.”
  EU rules on digital competition · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2026-02-03 “Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission 21.5.2026 Written question The Commission takes very seriously the threat posed by extremist radical views sowing social division, polarisation and radicalisation in Europe. In close cooperation with Member States, the Commission monitors the evolving risks linked to organisations trying to unduly influence the European institutions, including radical and extremist non-state actors, as well as interference from third countries. The legal prerequisite for the listing of new individuals, groups or entities, under Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/455 of 26 February 2026 on restrictive measures to combat terrorism, repealing Articles 2, 3 and 3a of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism [1] , is a decision by a competent authority as defined by Articles 2(3) of the decision. Such a decision should concern the involvement of the individual or entity in question in a ‘terrorist act’ as defined by Article 1(1) of the aforementioned Decision. In addition, the Council may decide on a listing pursuant to Decision (CFSP) 2026/455, acting by unanimity. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600455.”
  EU policy on Islam
• 2026-01-29 “E-000377/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission treats this incident with utmost seriousness and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of food safety. 1. On 10 December 2025, the Commission was alerted to cereulide contamination in products from a Nestlé company in the Netherlands, which recalled the same day 25 batches across 16 European countries. As soon as the Commission was made aware of this incident, the different existing tools, in particular the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), were activated to ensure an efficient cross-border coordination between the competent food safety authorities of the Member States. 2. Since RASFF investigations found that arachidonic acid oil imported from China and subsequently used in infant formula was the very likely contamination source, the Commission has swiftly adopted measures 1 requiring mandatory laboratory analysis, certification, and stricter border controls for this product. Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 2 , food business operators at all stages of production, processing and distribution have the primary responsibility to ensure that their products comply with food law requirements relevant to their activities and to verify that these requirements are met. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/459/oj. 2 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/178/oj.”
  Pharmaceutical imports & exports rules · Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU
• 2026-01-23 “E-000268/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission In December 2025, the Commission and the UK successfully concluded negotiations for the UK to associate to Erasmus+ as of 1 January 2027, based on the 2025 EU-UK Common Understanding 1 . Both parties are now formalising the conclusion of the negotiations, in accordance with their respective legal procedures and frameworks. UK universities must meet all the quality criteria set out in the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2 (ECHE) to join the programme. The Commission is politically committed and legally bound to ensuring that organisations and individuals that do not respect EU values – such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities – do not receive EU financial support. The Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) 3 provides a mechanism whereby entities in breach of EU values 4 can be excluded from EU funding. Regular checks, monitoring and auditing of EU-funded projects are performed systematically across grant agreements in all programme actions and management modes. Should the Commission or the implementing bodies become aware of evidence of such activities, they may take appropriate action, including termination of ongoing projects, withdrawal of ECHE accreditation and initiation of EDES procedure to exclude entities concerned from future EU financing 5 . The Commission monitors the implementation of Erasmus+ to ensure compliance with the applicable rules and procedures as well as sound financial management by supervising the activities of national agencies and of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency in the allocation of Erasmus+ funds. The Commission also carries out supervisory visits, desk checks and specific audits where necessary. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_1267. 2 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/resources-and-tools/erasmus-charter-for-higher-education. 3 Article 137 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast), OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj. 4 Article 138(1)(c)(vi) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. 5 As the Commission noted in its reply to written question E-004933/2025, the analysis of Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University activities and investigation are ongoing.”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU · EU policy on Islam
• 2026-01-21 “Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission 17.3.2026 Written question The Commission carefully assessed all relevant evidence and considered the arguments put forward by the provider of X within the framework of the proceedings under the Digital Services Act (DSA) [1] referred to by the Honourable Members. The Commission also ensured that provider was given the opportunity to respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings, and that that response was considered fully before reaching a final decision. The provider of X also has the right to challenge the Commission’s non-compliance decision before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Notwithstanding the arguments put forward by the provider of X, the Commission concluded that the ‘blue checkmarks’ feature for ‘verified accounts’, which forms part of the X service in the EU deceived users because any recipient could pay to obtain the ‘verified account’ status without the provider of X meaningfully verifying who was behind the account. The Commission also concluded that X’s advertisement repository failed to meet the transparency and accessibility requirements of the DSA, as it incorporated design features and access barriers, such as excessive delays in processing results. This prevents recipients of the service, including independent researchers, from identifying and studying emerging risks tied to the distribution of online advertising, such as scams. Lastly, the Commission concluded that the provider of X unduly restricted eligible researchers from accessing public data, effectively hindering studies into several systemic risks within the EU. The announcement by the provider of X that it will make its recommendation algorithm open source was made after the Commission issued its non-compliance decision and after the period under investigation, which concluded on 5 December 2025. [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance).”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · Recommender systems
• 2026-01-15 “E-000165/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission On 17 February 2026, the Commission opened a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 regarding the risk of illegal products, including content which could constitute child sexual abuse material, being disseminated on its platform, its addictive design and the transparency of its recommender system and is actively monitoring all other designated very large online marketplaces. If the Commission identifies a breach of the DSA, it could issue a fine of up to 6% of the provider's global turnover. The Commission has proactively invested in artificial intelligence solutions to enhance the efficacy of product recalls with tools such as e-Surveillance 2 and Proactive Webcrawler 3 in order to detect unsafe or non-compliant products online. As announced in the e-commerce Communication 4 , the Commission organised a time limited Priority Control Area, coordinating customs and market surveillance authorities to concentrate controls on imports from major online platforms, gathering data for tools like the DSA, supporting the Market Surveillance Regulation (MSR) revision, and enhancing customs cooperation. The Customs Reform, in final stage of negotiation, will structurally reinforce the capabilities of enforcement authorities to control the flow of goods at the EU-border, throughout the EU Customs Data Hub which will enhance exchange of data. The MSR revision, part of the upcoming European Product Act, aims to close enforcement loopholes in EU product compliance, strengthening accountability for authorised representatives of foreign manufacturers, clarifying compliance requirements across the supply chain, and using tools like the Digital Product Passport to improve checks across Member States. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/digital-services-act.html. 2 https://esurveillance.ec.europa.eu/product_safety/home. 3 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en. 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/e-commerce-communication-comprehensive-eu-toolbox-safeand-sustainable-e-commerce.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• 2026-01-14 “E-000134/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission Article 7 of the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA’) 1 requires gatekeepers to ensure interoperability of their messaging service with the messaging services of other providers upon the request of the latter. As of today, Meta is the only provider of messaging service that has been designated as a gatekeeper for two of its messaging services - WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger - for which it is required to comply with Article 7 DMA. For those services, Meta published reference offers for interoperability in March 2024 and November 2024, respectively. The Commission is in constant contact with Meta and interested third parties to ensure effective compliance with Article 7 DMA. In November 2025, two new messaging services (BirdyChat and Haiket) announced that they managed to interoperate with WhatsApp. However, those two new services are only gradually rolling out to the public or in beta test version. It is therefore too early to assess the take up for interoperability in the context of those services at this stage. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation in the coming months. These recent launches confirm that there is potential demand for interoperability, and that Article 7 DMA can contribute to market contestability with regards to the provision of messaging services. Regarding encryption, Article 7 DMA provides that the level of security, including end-to-end encryption, should be preserved across the interoperable services. In line with this requirement, the interoperability solution provided by Meta for WhatsApp and Messenger preserves end-to-end encryption. 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act), OJ L 265, 12.10.2022, pp. 1–66.”
  Interoperability requirements for digital platforms
• 2026-01-08 “E-000047/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission welcomes stakeholders’ engagement, including through the open letter of 12 November 2025 mentioned in the Honourable Member’s question. The call for evidence (CfE) published on 6 January 2026 for the initiative ‘Towards European open digital ecosystems’ 1 is designed to gather evidence on barriers and on concrete EU actions to strengthen Europe’s open-source ecosystem, including in Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this context, the CfE refers to the issues raised in the abovementioned letter, namely the limited access of the open-source ecosystem to public procurement and asks what measures could encourage public administrations and other large users to adopt and contribute to open source. Moreover, in line with the Apply AI Strategy 2 ; the CfE also notes constraints in growth capital and support and invites stakeholders to propose funding and policy measures. Furthermore, the CfE points to the limited access of the ecosystem to hosting and infrastructure and it was prepared alongside the forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act 3 , which will aim to expand EU cloud and data-centre capacity and promote secure and sovereign cloud and AI services along with other initiatives, such as the AI Gigafactories. Finally, the CfE invites evidence on governance and upscaling frameworks, where contributors may also address conditions for re-use of public sector data, in full respect of privacy and other rights. All feedback received through the Call for Evidence will be assessed and will inform the Commission communication on a European Open Digital Ecosystems Strategy, which will expand on the current open-source actions under the Apply AI Strategy. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/16213-European-Open-DigitalEcosystems_en. 2 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/apply-ai. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14628-AI-Continent-new-cloud-andAI-development-act_en.”
  Artificial Intelligence · Promotion of open-source softwares
• 2026-01-07 “E-000023/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The AI Act 1 aims to promote the uptake of human-centric and trustworthy AI, while ensuring a high level of protection of health, safety, and fundamental rights. The Apply AI Strategy 2 proposes actions deeply rooted in the needs and challenges of each sector and its workers, including in the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI). Moreover, one of the objectives of the Culture Compass is to harness digital tech and AI in the CCSI, for which a new AI Strategy for the CCSI will be developed. This strategy will aim to foster an ethical use of AI that supports human creativity. Translations which consist of AI generated text are not eligible for protection under the EU copyright law. Post-editing corrections of AI generated texts by natural persons i.e. human translators, may in certain circumstances fulfil the requirements to be considered a work of authorship and will benefit from copyright protection and also be subject to the exceptions and limitations provided for in EU law. As authors of such works, human translators may reserve their rights, thereby excluding the exception or limitation of text and data mining 3 . The Commission is currently reviewing the DSM Directive 4 and will consider further adjustments to the EU copyright framework to address the challenges faced by creators, in particular to facilitate licensing for the use of copyright-protected content by AI providers. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence. 2 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/apply-ai. 3 Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market. 4 Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market.”
  EU support for cultural and creative sector · Artificial Intelligence
• 2026-01-07 “E-000024/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission welcomes the declaration initiated by the Danish Presidency on the necessity of culture and media as a safeguard for our European democracies 1 . The Commission is fully committed to ensuring the independence of the media. In the Communication on the European Democracy Shield 2 , the Commission stresses the crucial role of free, independent and plural media in upholding democratic values and outlines actions to defend and promote media freedom and independent journalism. The Commission supports the news media sector with full respect for editorial independence. All EU co-financed news media projects operate with full editorial independence from any authority, as per the provisions of the calls for proposals and the ensuing grant agreements. When applying for EU media funding, news media organisations sign a declaration confirming that they abide by the relevant professional standards. Furthermore, the Commission supports news media projects with full regard for the principle of subsidiarity, focusing on areas of intervention that are more effective at EU level, such as EU wide journalistic projects and cross-border collaborations. The vast majority of public support for news media in EU is provided by the Member States 3 . Rules on the implementation of the EU budget are enshrined in the EU Treaties, notably in Articles 317 to 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Treaties contain provisions guaranteeing democratic control of the EU budget. 1 https://danish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/news/new-declaration-makes-culture-and-trustworthy-mediacornerstones-in-defending-european-democracy/. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/2539eb53-9485-4199-bfdc-97166893ff45_en. 3 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/4a26df80-bbff-11ee-b164-01aa75ed71a1/.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-11-04 “E-004335/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 sets out the rules for a safe, predictable and trusted online environment where fundamental rights 2 are effectively protected. The DSA protects users in the EU against over-removal of lawful content through transparency requirements and a set of safeguards, mandating clear explanations for removals, and robust appeal mechanisms for users, which have already led to reinstate millions of pieces of content previously removed. The DSA itself does not define which content is illegal; this is governed by national law and, exceptionally, other EU laws. Under the DSA, providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) 3 need to comply with a set of reinforced obligations. For instance, they are required to assess the systemic risks stemming from design or functioning of their service and its related systems (including negative effects for the exercise of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and information) and take measures to mitigate them. The Commission is monitoring providers of VLOPs and VLOSEs’ compliance with the DSA 4 and will take the necessary enforcement steps if any infringement is suspected regardless of the political views expressed by users. Since the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) entered into application on 8 August 2025, VLOPs active in the EU need to treat content offered by media service providers more carefully when moderating. Without prejudice to their risk mitigation obligation under the DSA, VLOPs must communicate to a media service provider in the scope of Article 18 EMFA 5 a statement of reasons for suspending or restricting the visibility of a content, based on their terms and conditions. VLOPs must give media service providers the opportunity to reply within 24 hours before taking such a decision. 1 The Digital Services Act package https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act-package. 2 Fundamental Rights include the right to freedom of expression and of information. 3 Very large online platforms and very large online search engines, respectively, within the meaning of Article 33(1) DSA. 4 These include the the aforementioned risk assessment and mitigation obligations. 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• 2025-11-03 “E-004306/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), 1 it is primarily the competence of national regulatory authorities to enforce the national rules transposing the AVMSD, including those focusing on the protection of minors. The Commission continues to closely monitor the implementation and enforcement of the AVMSD in the Member States, notably regarding the obligations of audiovisual media service providers to protect minors from content which may impair their physical, mental or moral development. In addition, the ongoing evaluation of the AVMSD 2 will consider the relevance of the current rules and identify potential shortcomings in the existing framework and will also assess whether more should be done to ensure that minors are protected when they view audiovisual content. Lastly, the EU legal framework for audiovisual and media services which is underpinned by the AVMSD is without prejudice to the obligation of Member States to respect fundamental rights and observe the principles recognised, in particular, by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (hereafter ‘the Charter’) 3 . The AVMSD thus seeks to ensure full respect for the right to freedom of expression, the freedom to conduct a business, the right to judicial review and to promote the application of the rights of the child enshrined in the Charter. 1 Directive 2010/13/EU on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services in view of changing market realities. 2 As a first step, the Commission launched a call for evidence to collect information and feedback with deadline 21.12.2025. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• 2025-10-29 “E-004239/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with the Apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 1 , the Commission will launch a targeted study to explore the legal challenges related to the AI-generated outputs and how cutting-edge technological safeguards and technologies, including AI, could be used to prevent and mitigate the risks of copyright infringing AI content being generated, including by detecting and removing such content. The study will focus on analysing legal challenges and potential technological solutions related to AI-generated output, including to prevent the risk of copyright infringements. Where applicable, AI systems or general purpose AI models placed on the market or put into service in the EU have to be developed and/or deployed in compliance with, among others, the AI Act 2 , Union law on copyright and related rights and the Digital Services Act 3 . If an AI system is considered high risk, it has to comply with several requirements, including human oversight. Supervision of the mentioned regulatory frameworks is attributed to independent judicial or administrative authorities. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0723. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.”
  Artificial Intelligence · Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content
• 2025-10-15 “E-004039/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Under the voluntary Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online (“the Code of conduct”), 1 signatory providers of platforms commit to review the majority (at least 50%) of notices received from ’Monitoring Reporters’ within 24 hours. The review of notices does not imply the removal of content. The providers of platforms commit to remove or to disable access to the reported content only if it is considered to be in violation of their policies, and/or on the basis of the applicable law in accordance with the relevant jurisdiction. 2 This system of Monitoring Reporters under the Code of conduct complements, in a voluntary setting, the Digital Services Act’s (the DSA) obligations on priority treatment of notices by Trusted Flaggers. 3 Users are offered redress through the robust internal complaint handling systems required by the DSA, as well as out-of-court dispute settlement bodies of which several have now been certified. The European Media Freedom Act 4 (the EMFA) establishes a set of safeguards in relation to content moderation decisions by Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). These safeguards apply specifically to media service providers meeting certain conditions that they need to declare and are aimed at preventing content which is in line with relevant professional and editorial standards from being unwarrantedly removed by VLOPs. The framework established by the EMFA is designed to enhance the protection of media’s editorial integrity in the online environment and is fully complementary with the DSA’s framework and the specific responsibilities for VLOPs related to systemic risks foreseen therein. 1 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-countering-illegal-hate-speech-online. 2 The previous 7 Monitoring Exercises showed no sign of over-removals, https://commission.europa.eu/strategyand-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/eu-codeconduct-countering-illegal-hate-speech-online_en. 3 Trusted Flaggers must meet the criteria set out in Article 22(2) DSA, such as expertise, competence, independence from online platforms, diligence, accuracy and objectivity in submitting notices. 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/108, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-10-08 “E-003962/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The right of freedom of expression and the respect of media freedom and pluralism are enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 1 . They are essential checks and balances in democracies and part and part of the rule of law. The European Media Freedom Act introduces a targeted set of safeguards to better protect the editorial integrity of media service providers online 2 . In particular, in order to ensure that media freedom and media pluralism are duly considered by the Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) content moderation activities, the VLOPs providers are required to inform media service providers when they plan to remove their content, giving them 24 hours to reply before the removal can take effect. The Digital Services Act (DSA) 3 , aims at providing a safer online experience for all users, by introducing several transparency tools -such as the (bi-)annual transparency reports 4 and the DSA Transparency Database 5 , that shed light on the platforms’ content moderation practices, while allowing users to appeal such content moderation decisions. A causal link between the introduction of a new policy and the rate of content moderation activities-e.g., looking at the trends of Statements of Reasons in the DSA Transparency Database (details in Annex)- cannot be easily derived, as content moderation practices are platform-dependent and evolve asynchronously, for instance, when a platform adopts a new content moderation policy. Under the DSA, the Commission is exclusively competent to enforce the regulation vis-à-vis the providers of the designated services. The Digital Services Coordinators of each Member State remain responsible for overseeing the compliance of all other online platforms with the DSA. 1 https://fra.europa.eu/en/eu-charter/article/11-freedom-expression-and-information. 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083. 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065. 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsa-brings-transparency. 5 https://transparency.dsa.ec.europa.eu/.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-10-01 “P-003805/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to upholding children’s and women’s rights within the framework of its competences. The exploitation of surrogacy, among others, is included as a form of exploitation in the AntiTrafficking Directive, modified by Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of 13 June 2024 1 . It targets those who coerce or deceive women into acting as surrogate mothers, without prejudice to the national rules on surrogacy, including criminal and family law. Substantive family law, such as rules on the definition of family and rules on surrogacy, falls exclusively within the competence of the Member States. Each Member State therefore decides its policy and legal position as regards surrogacy. Some Member States allow and regulate surrogacy, some Member States prohibit it, and other Member States do not have a specific legal framework. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union applies to the EU institutions in all their actions. However, it does not extend the competences conferred on the EU by the Treaties 2 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj/eng. 2 Article 51 of the Charter: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A12016P%2FTXT.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · Regulation of surrogate pregnancy · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-10-01 “E-003837/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Protection of children online is a priority. The EU has a strong framework to protect and empower children online with the Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 and its guidelines 2 , the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 3 , the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse 4 and the Better Internet for Kids+ (BIK+) strategy 5 . The central BIK+ portal 6 and network of Safer Internet Centres 7 help minors, parents and educators to foster digital literacy and critical thinking skills and provide them with tools to navigate the online world more safely. The Commission released a blueprint for an EU age verification solution to protect minors from harmful adult online content 8 . The Commission President also announced a panel of experts to advise on possible avenues for potential social media age restrictions for children, to further increase their safety online. For early 2026, the Commission is preparing an action plan against cyberbullying 9 . The Commission currently does not consider financing the development of a parental control artificial intelligence (AI) model. However, the DSA guidelines encourage providers to explore the benefits of technical solutions such as AI classifiers for moderation purposes and outline specific requirements for parental controls, while setting out specific safeguards related to AI features integrated into online platforms. Europol and Eurojust are bound by their mandates and EU data-protection rules, which strictly limit how operational data may be used and shared. Europol may transmit or transfer personal data to private parties only where strictly necessary to address online crisis situations, on a case-by-case basis and subject to the respect of specific safeguards. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-servicesact_en. 2 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protection-minors. 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/audiovisual-and-media-services. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0607. 5 https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/news/new-better-internet-kids-strategy-out-introducing-bik. 6 https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en. 7 https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/sic. 8 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-age-verification. 9 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cyberbullying.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Artificial Intelligence
• 2025-09-30 “E-003793/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the importance of the video games industry as an innovative and dynamic sector of the EU economy. The Commission has long been supporting the sector through several funding programmes such as Horizon Europe or Creative Europe and under the proposed AgoraEU. The Commission remains committed to boost the competitiveness of the sector and will also adopt an EU Strategy for video games this year. The Commission is aware that the preparation of the Key Principles on In-Game Virtual Currencies 1 , developed by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, involved consultation with stakeholders, including video game industry and consumer organisations, over the past few years. The upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) will address identified consumer protection gaps in the digital sphere 2 , without duplicating matters addressed by digital legislation. It will also include a simplification element. Regarding video games, the DFA impact assessment will examine whether further action is needed to address specific unfair commercial practices. The protection of minors from harmful functionalities will be a transversal priority of the DFA. In addition, the Digital Services Act (DSA) 3 created a harmonised EU-wide framework for intermediaries that protects users’ fundamental rights and promotes a competitive European digital ecosystem. Notably Article 28 of the DSA requires online platforms accessible to minors to provide the highest levels of privacy, safety, and security for minors on their services. The recent Guidelines on the Protection of Minors 4 provide the Commission’s perspective on how online platforms should comply with their obligations under that provision. 1 CPC network is composed of national authorities responsible for enforcing EU consumer law. The principles are available at: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8af13e88-6540-436c-b1379853e7fe866a_en?filename=Key%20principles%20on%20in-game%20virtual%20currencies.pdf. 2 See Commission Staff Working Document ‘Fitness Check of EU consumer law on digital fairness’ of 3.10.2024, SWD(2024) 230 final. 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022. 4 Available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protectionminors.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · EU rules on digital competition
• 2025-09-24 “E-003702/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 1 and the Digital Services Act (DSA) 2 include independence safeguards for media and digital regulators. However, the EU legal framework does not prescribe specific recruitment or appointment procedures. Article 30 of the AVMSD requires Member States to ensure that regulators act impartially, transparently and independently. They must be functionally independent of their governments and of any other public or private body. Under Article 50 of the DSA, Member States must designate independent authorities, known as Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs), to supervise compliance of intermediary service providers established in their territory with the DSA and to participate in EU-level cooperation mechanisms. The DSA establishes strong guarantees to ensure that DSCs act impartially and transparently. They must exercise their tasks in full independence and autonomy, free from any external influence, and be provided with adequate resources to perform their duties effectively. The Commission monitors the implementation of these requirements. In France, Arcom has been designated as independent regulator under the AVMSD and the DSA. The Commission is in regular contact with Arcom, including following the incident on Kick.com. Under the DSA the supervisory powers concerning Kick.com are with the DSC of Malta, which is the EU Member State where Kick.com has designated its legal representative. The Commission is ready to support the DSCs in their work and recalls that all online platforms must provide ‘notice and action’ mechanisms allowing users to flag illegal content pursuant to Article 16 of the DSA and report suspected criminal offences threatening life or safety to national authorities as provided for in Article 18. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/1808/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-09-16 “E-003564/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 applies to intermediary services offered to users located within the EU. Ensuring fair and consistent content moderation that protects users' fundamental rights is one of the DSA’s main goals. In the EU, the providers of very large online platforms’ (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) 2 must assess and mitigate risks related to the dissemination of illegal and harmful content including to the exercise of fundamental rights. In addition, these providers must consider how such risks are influenced by their content moderation systems, including on how the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can amplify it. To comply with these obligations, ensuring quality and transparency of content moderation decisions is paramount. While automated content moderation, including by means of AI, is possible, the DSA requires intermediary services providers to be transparent about the use of automation and its accuracy as content moderation system. Providers must publish transparency reports and submit to a public database information about the level of automation of their content moderation decisions 3 . Furthermore, the internal complainthandling systems need to be operated under the supervision of qualified staff, ensuring fair and unbiased decision-making processes. Lastly, researchers can request data from the providers of VLOPs and VLOSEs 4 to conduct research into systemic risks in the EU, including investigating the role of AI in content moderations. Access to data by researchers is key to ensure accountability and public scrutiny. Thanks to these mechanisms of transparency and accountability, EU citizens have access to information about platforms’ inner workings. The Commission is diligently enforcing these provisions 5 . 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) OJ L277/1. 2 Such as TikTok. 3 How the Digital Services Act enhances transparency online https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsabrings-transparency. 4 Under DSA Article 40. 5 Findings related to ongoing investigations are confidential until publicly communicated. https://digitalstrategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• 2025-09-15 “E-003537/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Media freedom and pluralism are fundamental values in the EU, enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. There is no such targeted funding of so-called activist media. The Commission launches calls for proposals based on strict, transparent and pre-established criteria. These criteria make no mention of targeted editorial lines. All media organisations should however display journalistic standards such as respect for fundamental values, transparency and independence. In calls addressing news media organisations, applicants sign a Declaration of editorial standards and commit to be ‘independent of any public or private instruction’. They also commit to provide ‘multiple and plural viewpoints’ and uphold media pluralism. As far as the example provided is concerned, beneficiaries operate in complete editorial independence further to the grant award, underpinned by a charter of independence that is part of the contracts. The Commission will not fail to react should there be grounds that the provisions of contracts are not respected.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-09-10 “P-003504/2025 Reply The legislative proposal referred to by the Honourable Members is still being discussed within the Council, which has not yet adopted a position. Discussions between the European Parliament and the Council regarding this proposal have not yet begun, and the Council does not answer hypothetical questions.”
  Artificial Intelligence · Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• 2025-08-27 “E-003310/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to safeguarding pluralistic and independent media, which are essential for democracy, the rule of law and the functioning of the internal market. The Commission monitors developments related to media freedom and media pluralism in all Member States in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) 1 which is fully applicable since 8 August 2025, strengthens protection for media service providers. Article 4(1) ensures media service providers may operate in the internal market without restrictions other than those allowed by EU law; Article 4(2) requires Member States to respect the effective editorial freedom and independence of media service providers in the exercise of their professional activities; and Article 21 sets requirements for national measures affecting media pluralism. The EMFA does not regulate private contractual decisions of banks. Banks and credit institutions, like other economic operators, generally enjoy contractual freedom to decide with whom they want to enter into a business relationship 2 . 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act). 2 To be noted that under the Payment Services Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/2366) payment service providers are able to terminate a framework contract under certain conditions.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-08-27 “E-003305/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The European Media Freedom Act 1 (EMFA) puts in place a new set of rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU, including rules safeguarding the effective editorial freedom of media. Most of the provisions of the EMFA became applicable on 8 August 2025. The European Board for Media Services (hereafter ’the Media Board’) has replaced and succeeded the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA), established by the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, hereafter ‘AVMSD’ 2 . The Media Board is composed of representatives of national regulatory authorities or bodies that were already members of ERGA, as established by AVMSD. In some cases, national regulators and bodies may require additional powers to fulfil the tasks granted to them by EMFA. Some of the EMFA provisions require adapting national legal frameworks to ensure their effective implementation. The Commission is in close contact with Member States to make sure that their legal and institutional frameworks are aligned with EMFA and facilitate its full application. The Commission will take the necessary measures to ensure the enforcement of EMFA. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401083. 2 Article 30b of Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) (Codified version) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32010L0013.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-08-27 “E-003308/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The independence of the European Board for Media Services (the “Media Board”) is clearly established in the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) 1 . Article 9 of the EMFA protects and requires the full independence of the Media Board when performing its tasks or exercising its powers from any institution, person or body. This includes its independence from the Commission. Also, as indicated in Article 10 EMFA, the Board is composed of representatives of national regulatory authorities or bodies that, pursuant to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2 , need to be independent. Pursuant to Article 11 of the EMFA, the Media Board’s secretariat is provided by the Commission. However, in line with the same article, the main task of the secretariat is contributing to the independent execution of the tasks of the Media Board, and the secretariat shall act on the sole instructions of the Media Board regarding its tasks under the Regulation. Those safeguards have been fully implemented since the setup of the Media Board in February 2025. Additionally, the secretariat is adequately resourced for the performance of its tasks and, in order to ensure that it has the relevant expertise, has recruited staff including experts seconded by the independent national regulatory authorities or bodies members of the Media Board. The Commission will continue providing the secretariat of the Media Board as required by the EMFA adopted by the co-legislators. The Commission does not intend to propose a modification of the Regulation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401083. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/13/2018-12-18/eng.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-08-27 “E-003309/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The objective of Article 25 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), applicable as of 8 August 2025 1 , is to ensure undistorted competition between media service providers and online platforms and avoid the risk of covert subsidies and of undue political influence on the media. Setting out the requirements for awarding any public funds, or benefits given by public authorities to media service providers or online platforms, whether for state advertising or for supply or service contracts, it aims to safeguard media pluralism, fairness and editorial independence and prevent favouring certain media outlets, especially in a political way. These requirements must be made publicly available in advance by electronic and user-friendly means, and must be implemented by means of open, proportionate and non-discriminatory procedures to ensure their effectiveness. According to the definitions provided by Article 2 of EMFA, ‘state advertising’ refers to the placement, publication or dissemination, in any media service, of a promotional or selfpromotional message, normally in return for payment or for any other consideration, by, for or on behalf of any national or regional public authority, such as national, federal or regional governments, regulatory authorities or bodies as well as state-owned enterprises or other statecontrolled entities at the national or regional level, or any local government of a territorial entity of more than 1 million inhabitant. Advertising bought by EU institutions does not fall under this category. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-07-24 “E-003077/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) is not an EU body. It is an independent multidisciplinary community composed of fact-checkers, researchers, media literacy experts and media organisations covering the whole EU. EDMO is supported by the Digital Europe Programme 1 and is composed of a network of 15 regional hubs, selected by independent experts through a competitive call and a central coordinating unit. It operates in full independence on the basis of its guiding principles. The EDMO governance structure ensures editorial independence, including for fact-checkers, who are required to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards. For the last three years, the Commission has issued several calls to support EDMO activities worth a total of EUR 22 million. 1 See Commission Implementing Decision of 28 March 2025 on the financing of the Digital Europe Programme and the adoption of the multiannual work programme 2025-2027, C(2025) 1839 final. Previous work programmes are available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/work-programmes-digital.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-07-24 “E-003076/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to the application of the digital acquis democratically adopted by the co-legislators and to a clear communication to the public about the merits and application of the laws. The Commission is focusing on supporting the consistent application of the rules, including through shared guidelines and facilitating the cooperation between the competent authorities, not least through the cooperation facilitated by the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services and the European Board for Digital Services for competent authorities such as those focusing on media and other aspects for the supervision of providers of intermediary services. In parallel, the Commission made a commitment to regulatory simplification 1 stress-testing the entire acquis, including the digital acquis, and has planned 2 a digital fitness check to further the analysis of the coherence and cumulative impact of the rules and their application by the authorities. The creation of a new EU decentralised agency would in any case be subject to an impact assessment in accordance with the Better Regulation guidelines, and would be established through a legal act adopted by ordinary procedure. As regards the costs resulting from the enlargement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) 3 compliance team, the estimated costs that the Commission incurs in relation to its supervisory tasks under the DSA are covered by external assigned revenues stemming from the supervisory fees annually charged by the Commission to providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines, pursuant Article 43(2) DSA. Therefore, the Commission’s supervisory activities under the DSA, including its human resources, are financed by such providers and not by any other EU budget allocation. Currently, the Commission does not intend to propose the dismantling of agencies or offices that were set up by the co-legislators in recent legislation in the digital sector. However, the added value of these bodies is likely to be assessed as part of the evaluations of the respective legal acts that set them up. 1 Communication on a simpler and faster Europe https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8556fc3348a3-4a96-94e8-8ecacef1ea18_en?filename=250201_Simplification_Communication_en.pdf. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/strategy-documents/commission-workprogramme/commission-work-programme-2025_en. 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (Text with EEA relevance), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.”
  EU rules on digital competition · Digitalization of public governance & administration
• 2025-07-23 “E-003065/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission As elaborated in the Commission’s replies to written questions E-006476/2020 1 and E-001741/2021 2 , the Commission implements the mechanisms provided in the Financial Regulation 3 for the award of funds. It carries out rigorous selection processes, including different checks on grant applicants based on objective criteria such as the exclusion criteria or the EU restrictive measures. The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Members to previous replies related to funding of the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) such as to written questions P-002185/2025 and E-001052/2025 4 . The Commission is aware of the report of the French Ministry of Interior 5 . The Commission relies on information and reports provided by all Member States. It is the responsibility of the Member States to take the necessary measures, including by addressing the national courts, in case of substantiated breaches of the law by an association registered under their jurisdiction taking into account the need to respect freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of religion and belief as well as the need to preserve an enabling framework for civil society and human rights defenders. 1 Answer to written parliamentary question E-006476/2020 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E9-2020-006476-ASW_EN.html. 2 Answer to written parliamentary question E-001741/2021 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E9-2021-001741-ASW_EN.html. 3 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast). OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024. 4 For instance, answer to written parliamentary question P-002185/25 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2025-002185-ASW_EN.html or answer to written parliamentary question E-001052/25 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ASW_EN.html. 5 Answer to written parliamentary question P-002185/25 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-102025-002185-ASW_EN.html.”
  Regulation of NGOs in Europe · EU policy on Islam · Conditions to access EU budget
• 2025-07-09 “E-002780/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has been gravely alarmed by violent incidents that have occurred in Syria over the past few months and has strongly condemned the horrific crimes against civilians. Such messages were voiced in a series of statements following the coastal violence in March 2025 1 , the terrorist attack against Mar Elias Church 2 , and the violence in Southern Syria 3 . The EU repeatedly called for transparent, credible and impartial investigations, and for all perpetrators to be held accountable. The EU welcomed a recent Commission of Inquiry report 4 and recognised the work of Syria’s own National Commission for Investigation and Fact-Finding on the March 2025 coastal violence. In May 5 and June 6 2025, the EU introduced new listings against human rights violators and will continue monitoring the situation on the ground and the follow up of the commitments of the transitional authorities. On 23 June 2025, the Council adopted conclusions 7 which recalled that human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected for everyone in Syria, without discrimination of any kind, and that women have a fundamental role to play in the new Syria. The EU continues to call for an immediate end to violence across Syria and remains attentive to the actions of the transitional authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians. Now is imperative to step up dialogue and to promote and advance a truly inclusive and peaceful, Syrian-led transition that guarantees human rights and fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. The funding pledged by the EU during the Brussels ninth conference in March 2025, will aim to support a peaceful and inclusive transition and the country's socio-economic recovery, while also addressing urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Türkiye 8 . 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-highrepresentative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/. 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/syria-statement-spokesperson-terrorist-attack-mar-elias-church-damascus_en. 3 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/07/24/syria-statement-by-the-highrepresentative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-situation/. 4 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/syria-statement-spokesperson-report-independent-international-commissioninquiry-violations-against_en. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501110. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501255. 7 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/06/23/syria-council-approves-conclusions/. 8 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2025/03/17/.”
  Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid · EU-Syria relations
• 2025-07-08 “E-002762/2025Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the importance of addressing demographic change as it has significant implications for our societies and economies. Demographic change is primarily determined by life choices of individuals and families. Family policies are a competence of EU Member States. However, EU and national policies should help ensure that people can fulfil their aspirations, and the Commission supports initiatives that aim to create favourable social and economic conditions to allow people to pursue these family aspirations in accordance with their free choices. Following the European Council conclusions of June 2023, which called for a toolbox to address demographic challenges and their impact on Europe’s competitiveness, the Commission has put forward a wide range of initiatives and funding opportunities within the Demography Toolbox to assist Member States in responding to demographic challenges. Legal migration alone cannot prevent population ageing and address labour force decline. While managed legal migration, in full complementarity to harnessing talents from within the EU, can help meet labour market needs, it is not a standalone answer. The Commission recognises the complexity of this issue and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy that incorporates legal migration among other measures. Similarly, policy interventions to increase fertility are not sufficient on their own to reverse population or labour force decline. Therefore, the Demography Toolbox considers a wide range of adaptation measures in the areas of labour market, pension and health systems, intergenerational fairness and territorial cohesion, along the pillars of families, younger generations, older people, and legal migration.”
  EU strategy on population growth · Support for families · EU competences on demographic policy
• 2025-06-24 “E-002537/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission follows closely the developments of the cloud market in Europe and notably of the announcements quoted in the Honourable Member’s question. However, the Commission does not comment on them individually. The EU is equipped with tools to respond to cases of coercion by third countries. European solutions, often open source, exist for email services and data storage services. The Commission is already making use of such solutions as part of its multi-cloud strategy and is also examining them in the context of its technology watch activities. The upcoming Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Act 1 will ensure an enhanced availability of EU-based cloud capacity. It will be backed by a single EU-wide cloud policy for the public sector. Together with a competitive EU cloud industry, the strategic use of public procurement enabled by the two instruments will empower the EU to foster innovative services and strengthen its digital sovereignty. The Data Act 2 , which shall apply from 12 September 2025, establishes the legislative framework to ensure interoperability of data processing services and to enable effective switching between different providers of data processing services. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14628-AI-Continent-new-cloud-and-AIdevelopment-act_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302854.”
  Promotion of open-source softwares · EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2025-06-24 “E-002539/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 1 is providing EUR 964.4 million to France for the period 2021-2027 to support migration and asylum management. National authorities allocate these funds based on the priorities defined in the area of asylum, migration and return. The Common Provisions Regulation 2 and the AMIF Regulation do not require Member States to provide operational details detailing whether a specific reception centre is co-financed by EU funds. Support to unaccompanied minors can be part of projects aimed at improving reception infrastructure, ensuring access to asylum procedures, or providing targeted support to vulnerable applicants. On 11 March 2025, the Commission proposed a new Regulation on return to create a more coherent and efficient system for the return of third-country nationals not allowed to stay in the EU 3 . The proposal introduces new rules to facilitate the age assessment of minors, similar to those established in the context of asylum procedure and ensures the respect of the best interests of the child. The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of EU asylum and return laws to ensure Member States protect those entitled to it, while applying return procedures fully in line with EU and international standards. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1147. 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. 3 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union, and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC, COM/2025/101 final.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-06-17 “E-002432/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The Commission’s work is guided by the Treaties, which establish that the EU is founded on common values such as democracy, equality, and respect for human rights, and require the EU to combat discrimination. The Commission is also committed to academic freedom, freedom of scientific research, and excellence in universities. It recognises the importance of an environment where diverse ideas thrive, and where academic freedom is respected and protected. Horizon Europe Work programmes are shaped through inclusive consultation with Member States, stakeholders, and experts, and are aligned with the Horizon Europe objectives spelled out in Regulation 2021/695 1 and the Specific Programme Council decision 2 where the role of research and innovation in social sciences and humanities is explicitly recognised as fundamental for combatting inequalities, unemployment, marginalisation, discrimination and radicalisation, guaranteeing human rights, fostering cultural diversity and European cultural heritage, among others. This ensures pluralism and shields EU funding from ideological agendas. Project selection and evaluation is based on independent expert evaluation. Strict eligibility and exclusion criteria ensure that only organisations aligned with EU values can access funding, without targeting any belief system. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021, OJ L 170, 12.5.2021. 2 Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 of 10 May 2021, OJ L 167I, 12.5.2021.”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU · Research priorities within the EU
• 2025-06-12 “E-002372/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission Detention issues are primarily a responsibility of Member States. All Member States have, however, committed themselves to respect the standards on this matter drafted by the Council of Europe, such as the 2006 European Prison Rules 1 . Moreover, on 8 December 2022, the Commission adopted a Recommendation on the procedural rights of suspects and accused in pre-trial detention and on material detention conditions 2 . Paragraphs 71 to 73 of the recommendation provide for guidance on special measures for children and young adults, while paragraphs 82 to 86 provide for guidance on specific measures to address radicalisation in prisons. Where children are deprived of liberty during criminal proceedings, the rules set out in Directive (EU) 2016/800 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons 3 apply, which require Member States to ensure that children are deprived of liberty only as a measure of last resort, that they are held separately from adults and that children receive special treatment that is guided by their best interests. In relation to applicants for international protection, the Pact on Migration and Asylum 4 includes new guarantees. Children as a rule should be detained only as a last resort, the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration for Member States also in relation to this subject. 1 https://rm.coe.int/european-prison-rules-978-92-871-5982-3/16806ab9ae. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_7570. The Commission is currently drafting a report on the implementation of the Recommendation, which is due to be published by the end of the year. 3 See in particular Articles 10, 11 and 12 thereof, available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016L0800. 4 See in particular the Reception Conditions Directive Article 13, available at Official Journal L series daily view - EUR-Lex.”
  EU policy on criminal justice · Asylum & border control
• 2025-06-12 “E-002376/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission This project is a European Research Council (ERC) grant funded through Horizon 2020 1 . A key role of the ERC in Horizon 2020 was to ensure that Europe produces world-class science. The ERC has funded since 2007 more than 17 000 projects and over 10 000 researchers, across physical sciences and engineering, life sciences, social sciences and humanities 2 . This led to over 2 200 patents and other Intellectual Property Rights applications. More than 200 000 articles were published in scientific journals and the ERC grantees have been awarded with 14 Nobel Prizes, 7 Fields Medals, 11 Wolf Prizes and dozens of important prizes. The ERC ensures that all funded projects undergo rigorous and independent scientific and ethics evaluations. These assessments prioritise scientific excellence and compliance with EU legislation and ethical standards. The project EuQu 3 is a multidisciplinary research project that explores the complex historical interactions between Europe and the Islamic world. The main scientific objective is to study the role of the Qur’an in European intellectual history, thought and self-image. The project was selected solely based on its excellence followed by a strict ethical scrutiny 4 . No evidence of financial misconduct or inappropriate affiliations has been found. Ongoing monitoring upholds compliance with the original grant agreement and with EU legislation generally. The ERC funds projects based solely on their scientific excellence, via independent expert evaluations. The EuQu project’s objectives are solely scholarly, not motivated or linked to any specific political agenda. The project contributes to nuanced scientific discourse, in line with Europe`s long tradition of academic freedom and scientific inquiry. 1 The EU's research and innovation funding programme from 2014-2020. 2 Within the social sciences and humanities projects which represent around a fourth of ERC grants, topics span an extensive range of disciplines, including economics and finance, law and political science, sociology, psychology and linguistics, literature and philosophy, history and archaeology, geography and environmental studies, anthropology, arts and cultural and religious studies – the category in which falls the mentioned project. 3 ‘The European Qur'an. Islamic Scripture in European Culture and Religion 1150-1850’. 4 ‘Annex A: The ethics review process’, Commission Decision C(2017)4750 amending Decision C(2014)2454 on the ERC rules for submission of proposals and the related evaluation, selection and award procedures relevant to the specific programme of Horizon 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/sgl/erc/h2020-erc-serules-amended2_en.pdf.”
  EU policy on Islam · EU research funding
• 2025-05-22 “E-002058/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The EUR 500 million package for 2025–2027, announced at the Choose Europe for Science event at the Sorbonne University in Paris on 5 May 2025, comes from Horizon Europe and aims to enhance the EU’s global competitiveness in research and innovation. It is not targeted at any one nationality, but is open to researchers worldwide, including those already based in the EU, under existing and transparent Horizon Europe rules. This package includes the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) “Choose Europe” pilot, 1 which supports early-career researchers with attractive allowances and longer employment prospects, as well as measures under the European Research Council (ERC), in particular doubling the amount offered to researchers who relocate to Europe from abroad, already available this year, as well as a seven-year 'super grant', which will come into effect from next year. Both ERC and MSCA are open to researchers from all countries, as long as they are based in EU Member States or Associated Countries, with selection based strictly on scientific excellence, regardless of origin. In addition, EUR 230 million has been earmarked for European Research Area (ERA) Chairs (2026–2027), supporting the creation of 120 new research leadership positions in widening Member States. This will strengthen the research landscape across all Member States and help retain and attract talent where it is most needed. The Commission remains fully committed to transparency, fairness and the highest standards of evaluation in all Horizon Europe actions. These principles will continue to guide the implementation of this package. 1 In addition to the “Choose Europe” pilot, the MSCA provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are open to researchers of all nationalities, including US researchers, for them to successfully relocate to Europe.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• 2025-05-21 “E-002045/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The report on the Digital Fairness Fitness Check 1 , published at the end of 2024, concludes that consumers suffer significant detriment in the digital environment and that the enforcement of existing rules on consumer protection is ineffective online. This results in a lack of legal certainty for businesses on how to apply the general rules, leading to consumer protection gaps. These gaps are not sufficiently addressed by the recently adopted digital legislation, because particular technologies or categories of service providers are covered. For example, the obligations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) apply only to online platforms. The future Digital Fairness Act (DFA) will not duplicate or reopen issues that are already covered by existing legislation. It will address the gaps identified to ensure that EU consumers are protected online, and to ensure that businesses operate on a level playing field and can make better use of the Single Market. The DFA will include a component on simplification and administrative burden reduction, in particular in the areas identified in the Fitness Check. The preparatory work for a DFA proposal in 2026 will include a thorough impact assessment and stakeholder consultations. The public consultation and call for evidence are currently open. The Commission encourages all interested parties, including European digital businesses, to participate. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/707d7404-78e5-4aef-acfa82b4cf639f55_en?filename=Commission%20Staff%20Working%20Document%20Fitness%20Check%20on%2 0EU%20consumer%20law%20on%20digital%20fairness.pdf.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• 2025-05-21 “E-002044/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission considers that the protection of fundamental rights, in particular privacy and data protection, and a strong cybersecurity are key elements of society. In addition, encryption is one means of protecting confidentiality and is widely recognised as an essential tool for security and trust in open networks. The Communication on ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy 1 , adopted on 1 April 2025, recalls those principles while stating that ensuring lawful access to data is key to investigate and take action against crime. In response to the recommendations of the High-Level Group on Access to Data 2 , the Commission will propose a Roadmap on Access to data with concrete measures to address the challenges faced by law enforcement to detect, prevent and investigate crime in the digital realm, including the abuse of emerging technologies to conceal their digital footprints. On encryption more specifically, the Commission is setting up an expert group to prepare a Technology Roadmap on ensuring law enforcement authorities’ lawful access to encrypted data. Any possible solutions devised by the group shall be compatible with the applicable EU legal framework on fundamental rights, including privacy and data protection, and ensure a high level of cybersecurity. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0148. 2 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/high-level-group-hlg-access-data-effective-law-enforcement_en.”
  Privacy & law enforcement
• 2025-05-15 “E-001965/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is closely monitoring the situation as regards a possible United States (US) 100% tariff on foreign films. There is very limited information available and no draft legal act of such a measure has been published. For instance, it remains unclear whether such a measure would target only theatrical distributors and producers, or also extend to streamers and broadcasters, and whether it would apply solely to films or also to television series. It is therefore difficult at this stage to assess the potential impact of the announced measures on the EU. Furthermore, the application of a tariff to a service, often a digitally provided one, rather than to a good would be an entirely new development and would raise questions as regards its implementation in practice. The Commission remains fully engaged in discussions with the US, as a fair and mutually beneficial negotiated solution continues to be the EU’s clear and preferred outcome. However, if talks with the US do not yield the necessary results, the EU has a variety of countermeasures at its disposal, and the Commission will carefully evaluate their potential use as the situation evolves. The EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive 1 defines what constitutes a European audiovisual work for the purposes of the Directive. By December 2026, the Commission will assess the impact of this Directive on the media market and present an evaluation report with proposals for its review, if appropriate. The evaluation will include notably the rules for the promotion of European works. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32010L0013.”
  EU-US trade relations
• 2025-05-06 “E-001820/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission takes the impact of social media on children very seriously, and is thus committed to swift enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 . In 2024, it initiated proceedings against TikTok based on concerns that it may have breached the DSA in areas related to the harmful effects on children stemming, notably, from its recommender systems and addictive features 2 . These proceedings are ongoing, and the Commission is carrying them out as a matter of priority. As part of these proceedings, the Commission is closely monitoring the ‘SkinnyTok’ phenomenon. Should it find that TikTok does not comply with the DSA, it can adopt a non-compliance decision and order TikTok to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with its decision. The Commission is currently working to finalise guidelines on the protection of minors online 3 . The draft guidelines recommend that platforms implement age assurance measures that reduce the risks of children being exposed to age-inappropriate content. The Commission and Member States are also working towards an interim age verification solution, which is intended to be an easy-to-use and privacy-preserving age verification method that can determine whether a user is 18 or older. The release of this is expected by the end of this year. It is intended to bridge the gap until the EU Digital Identity Wallet is available. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_926. 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-seeks-feedback-guidelines-protection-minorsonline-under-digital-services-act.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Recommender systems
• 2025-05-06 “E-001819/25 Answer given by Executive Vice President Ms Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission EU copyright law provides performers with exclusive rights to authorise or prohibit the use of their performances by third parties. The rights protecting performances however do not extend to the use of an artist’s voice, likeness or other characterising features. Under the General Data Protection Regulation 1 (GDPR) consent is one of the six legal grounds for lawful personal data processing. However, the controller may rely on legitimate interest where that interest prevails over the interests or rights of the data subjects. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) held that, subject to certain conditions, legitimate interest could be relied upon for the development of AI models. 2 The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act 3 sets out transparency obligations for AI systems that generate or manipulate content, including deepfakes. Specifically, providers of AI systems generating synthetic audio, image, video or text content shall ensure that the outputs of the AI system are marked in a machine-readable format and are detectable as artificially generated or manipulated. Those rules aim at protecting the integrity and trust in the information ecosystem and mitigate the risk of impersonation. Under the current multiannual financial framework, the MEDIA and Cross-sectoral strands of Creative Europe offer opportunities for applicants to submit projects that focus on helping the audiovisual and media sectors to foster their uptake of AI (including for dubbing), while mitigating the risks posed by this technology. Since January 2025, five Nordic film festivals have been supported (under the project “NojSe”) to use AI in dubbing integrating new technologies in translation and subtitling while supporting the artistic community. 1 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1–88. 2 EDPB, Opinion 28/2024. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng.”
  Artificial Intelligence · Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content
• 2025-04-09 “E-001452/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission does not have an overview of media supported by US organisations and has no authority to ask funders or their beneficiaries to share that information. The EU has taken several measures to safeguard media independence and prevent undue influence from third countries. The provisions of the European Media Freedom Act 1 , applicable from 8 August 2025, establish transparency requirements for media ownership and state advertising revenues, including from third-country public authorities or entities. They also mandate that public funds for state advertising in media or supply or service contracts with media be allocated using transparent, proportionate, and non-discriminatory criteria. The Commission also co-finances the Media Pluralism Monitor 2 and a media ownership monitoring project 3 . However, these measures do not include monitoring of external funding. The Commission has no detailed information on the extent to which foreign subsidies received by EU media and journalists are subject to income tax in their country of residence. Support to the press and the media often takes the form of tax credits or lower VAT rates, irrespective of the source of income. Such taxation falls within the competence of Member States, who have the right to design and organise their own tax systems, provided they abide by the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401083. 2 https://cmpf.eui.eu/media-pluralism-monitor-2024/. 3 https://media-ownership.eu/.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-04-08 “E-001418/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware, from media reporting, of incidents involving Tesla company that have occurred in some Member States 1 . It should be noted that, in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union, national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State. As such, the Commission does not intervene in individual cases that fall within the remit of national security. To support Member States in strengthening their resilience and capacity to respond to evolving threats, the Commission adopted the European Internal Security Strategy 2 on 1 April 2025. The strategy aims at enhancing the ability of Member States to protect societies and democracies from both online and offline threats posed by terrorists, criminals and hostile foreign actors. Within the limits of its mandate 3 , the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation can support Member States in combating terrorism and serious crime by providing analytical support, forensic expertise, facilitating information exchange and participating in joint operations. 1 https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-targeted-by-vandalism-over-musks-right-wing. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0148&qid=1750142913443. 3 Regulation (EU) 2016/794 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters · Privacy & law enforcement
• 2025-03-20 “E-001199/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission firmly believes that multilingualism is a core characteristic of the EU and its cultural diversity, and that the languages spoken in the different Member States are an essential part of Europe’s social and economic life and its cultural heritage. The Commission would like to clarify that it fully respects the spirit of multilingualism: it promotes multilingualism as a guiding principle for fair use of the official languages of the EU, and it continues to use all 24 EU official and working languages in its activities. French is one of the official and working languages of the EU institutions, including the Commission, and one of the most frequently used languages within the Commission.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• 2025-03-20 “E-001198/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission aims to support an enhanced availability and uptake of European cloud solutions across the EU through the upcoming Cloud and Artificial intelligence Development Act 1 . The main objective is to at least triple the EU’s overall data centre capacity within the next five to seven years 2 and ensure that highly critical use cases in the EU are served by highly secure EU-based cloud capacity 3 . The Act will be complemented by a single EU-wide cloud policy for public administrations and public procurement 4 . Moreover, the Commission has approved the ongoing implementation of the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services 5 . Also, through the co-financing under the Digital Europe Programme, the Commission also supports the deployment of an EU marketplace for federated cloud services 6 to facilitate the provision and the procurement of cloud services across the EU by EU cloud service providers 7 . The Commission’s adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework 8 is based on the key safeguards included in Executive Order 14086 (EO 14086) adopted by the President of the United States 9 . In particular, EO 14086 introduced safeguards to ensure that the collection and use of personal data of Europeans by United States intelligence agencies is limited to what is necessary and proportionate in pursuit of defined national security objectives. Moreover, EO 14086 established the Data Protection Review Court, providing EU citizens with a redress mechanism with binding investigatory and remedial powers. EO 14086 1 Mission letter from the President of the European Commission to the Executive Vice-President-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3b537594-92644249-a912-5b102b7b49a3_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20VIRKKUNEN.pdf. 2 This will be achieved by streamlining the permitting procedures and improving access to suitable sites, energy and funding for data centres that meet ambitious resource efficiency requirements. This is an important opportunity for European data centre operators and cloud service providers will have an important role to play in meeting this objective. 3 Such highly critical uses cares in the EU are characterised by high sovereignty and operational autonomy requirements. 4 The aim will be to assist the Act’s implementation in the public sector, guide public authorities in their cloud procurement decisions and empower them to leverage their purchasing power more strategically. 5 IPCEI CIS / 8ra Europe's Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services – 8ra: https://www.8ra.com/ Seven Member States will provide up to EUR 1.2 billion in public funding, expected to unlock an additional EUR 1.4 billion. 6 Project DOME DOME Mark etplace: https://dome-marketplace.eu/dashboard. 7 Such providers offer highly trustworthy, curated cloud services that serve the interests of crucial sectors dealing with sensitive data, such as the public sector. 8 Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 of 10 July 2023 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adequate level of protection of personal data under the EUUS Data Privacy Framework (notified under document C(2023)4745) (Text with EEA relevance) C/2023/4745 OJ L 231, 20.9.2023, p. 118–229 https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60be03fcb0fddf_en. 9 Executive Order 14086 on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty · EU-US data transfers
• 2025-03-06 “E-000968/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The traditional crafts and heritage occupations typically require vocational education and training (VET). The Commission has recently launched the Union of Skills 1 , a comprehensive strategy that addresses skills across all levels of education, and across all sectors of the economy, so that artisans can be supported to sustain and preserve their skills. Organisations from the craft and heritage sector can join the European Alliance for Apprenticeship (EAfA) 2 to network and exchange with other organisations, i.e. about how to reduce administrative burden. Under the Pact for Skills, the large-scale skills partnership for Cultural and Creative industries 3 identified supporting VET initiatives that can serve the preservation and the further development of technical skills, arts and crafts as the priority. Thanks to Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 4 , as from December 2025, producers of craft and industrial products will be able to obtain an EU-wide registration of their geographical indication. This new protection tool is known for helping to pass on know-how, particularly to younger generations. Horizon Europe currently funds four projects on ‘traditional crafts for the future: a new approach’ 5 . The Erasmus+ programme contributes to the learning and exchange of know-how in the crafts, as part of VET learning mobility of apprentices and cooperation projects 6 . The Creative Europe programme contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, including the transmission and promotion of heritage professionals’ skills and craft through several actions among which are Europa Nostra 7 and Culture Moves Europe 8 . Artisans specialising in heritage restoration may apply for individual mobility grants and participate in residencies. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/union-skills_en. 2 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/workingtogether/european-alliance-apprenticeships_en. 3 https://pact-for-skills.ec.europa.eu/about/industrial-ecosystems-and-partnerships/creative-and-culturalindustries_en. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2411/oj/eng. 5 Namely Tracks4crafts, Colour4crafts, Hephaestus, and Craeft; https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/HORIZON_HORIZON-CL2-2022-HERITAGE-01-04. Other crafts-focused projects include Culturality (https://culturalityproject.eu/), aimed at promoting rural and remote areas through cultural tourism activities leveraging traditional crafts, CRAFT-IT4SD (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101132596), focused on craft revitalization for futureproofing the transition to innovative technologies for sustainable development, and Make-a-Thek (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101177660/fr), Modular library makerspaces for heritage crafts innovation and digitization. 6 For more information on Erasmus+ opportunities, please refer to: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail//publication/4f38e3b2-39b7-11ed-9c68-01aa75ed71a1/language-en. 7 A pan-European network dedicated to the promotion of heritage professional voices. 8 A mobility scheme for artists and cultural professionals in all 40 creative Europe countries and covering sectors such as architecture and cultural heritage.”
  Focus of EU policy on education (shaping workers vs citizens) · EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-02-18 “E-000734/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission As this is an ongoing investigation, the Commission is unable to comment on the specific case referred to by the Honourable Member. Regarding the first question, the Commission allocates funding to media-related projects through various programmes and funding lines, particularly under the Creative Europe programme, the multimedia actions and pilot projects and preparatory actions (PPPA). In calls focusing on news media, applicants must submit a declaration on editorial standards and independence. Under Creative Europe 1 , all calls require compliance with the highest ethical standards. Each grant agreement includes clauses addressing conflicts of interest, obligating beneficiaries to prevent any situations that could compromise impartiality. Non-compliance may result in a reduction or termination of the grant. In the context of multimedia and newsrelated PPPA, specific rules concerning quality standards and ethics are outlined in an annex attached to each grant agreement. As for the second question, the Commission has not received specific information from the French or German authorities. Nonetheless, the Commission is in regular contact with all Member States in the context of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) 2 application, starting from 8 August 2025. The Commission is monitoring how Member States are ensuring compliance with EMFA requirements that are related to the prevention of conflicts of interest and the independent management of publicly funded media. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/818 establishing the creative Europe programme (2021 to 2027) https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R0818 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2025-02-18 “E-000733/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Directive (EU) 2019/790 1 introduced a set of rules to ensure creators’ fair remuneration and an exception allowing, under certain conditions, the use of protected works and other subject matter for the purposes of text and data mining. Rightholders may opt out from the exception by expressing their reservation in an appropriate manner. The Commission is working to support the effective implementation of the reservation mechanism. In particular, the Commission will soon launch a study to assess the opportunity of introducing a central registry of opt-outs which could make it easier for rightholders to express their rights reservation. The Artificial Intelligence Act 2 establishes transparency obligations for deployers of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to disclose the existence of generated or manipulated content, including artistic content, in an appropriate manner that does not hamper the work’s display or enjoyment. The AI Office is tasked with enabling the drawing up of codes of practice to facilitate the effective implementation of the obligations on the detection and labelling of artificially generated or manipulated content. The implementation of the labelling obligations on music content will contribute to increase transparency on the use of AI-generated music and uphold the unique value of human creativity. The Commission will further examine the opportunities and challenges related to the use of AI for music creators and artists before deciding whether to propose potential further measures. The Commission is currently developing an AI strategy for cultural and creative industries. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/790/oj/eng 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401689”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-02-12 “E-000639/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to foster the protection of minors online. Under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 , providers of online platforms accessible to minors must ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security of minors. Online advertisements based on profiling of minors using personal data are banned. In addition, providers of very large online platforms and very large search engines are required to conduct risk assessments and put in place effective mitigation measures for any actual or foreseeable negative effects in relation to the protection of minors, taking into account the design of recommender systems and algorithmic systems for selecting and presenting advertising. The Commission is developing guidelines to aid platforms’ compliance with the DSA on the protection of minors online 2 . The Commission has opened formal proceedings 3 against the providers of TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, including in relation to the protection of minors and recommender systems. The proceedings are ongoing and findings remain confidential until publicly communicated. The Commission aims to propose a Digital Fairness Act (DFA) 4 in 2026 to address identified consumer protection gaps, focusing on issues such as influencer marketing transparency. The outcomes of the 2024 Commission fitness check of consumer legislation will feed into the preparation of the DFA 5 . Under Article 32 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GPDR) 6 , the platforms are obliged to implement measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to risk. If a personal data breach occurs, unless it is unlikely to create risks, it should be notified to the supervisory authority and the data subject in accordance with Articles 33 and 34 of the GDPR. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065 2 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-launches-call-evidence-guidelines-protection-minorsonline-under-digital-services-act 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses#ecl-inpage-tiktok 4 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_4901 5 https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/consumer-protection-law/review-eu-consumer-law_en 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3A310401_2”
  Digital advertising · Safety features & content control for child protection online · Recommender systems
• 2025-01-15 “E-00144/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Directive 2001/29/EC 1 grants exclusive rights to authors over their works, allowing them to authorise or prohibit the reproduction, communication to the public and distribution of such works, unless exceptions apply. The Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception introduced in the 2019 Copyright Directive 2 applies only to reproductions of works to which the beneficiaries of the exception have lawful access, therefore excluding content obtained through websites making available copyright-infringing content. In case of infringements, the authors may take action to enforce his/her rights. Directive 2004/48/EC 3 , a minimum harmonisation measure, provides that certain measures, procedures and remedies should be available in Member States. However, enforcement of rights is subject to the jurisdiction of national courts in individual Member States where an act takes place in the territory of the Member State. The Commission has no standing in the private enforcement of copyright before national courts. The Commission will continue to promote the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU, in the respect of copyright rules, by facilitating licensing between creative industries and AI companies. 1 OJ L 167/10, 22.6.2001. 2 OJ L 130/92, 17.5.2019. 3 OJ L 157/45, 30.4.2004.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• 2025-01-15 “E-000159/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is convinced that fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive school community, respecting the diversity of all their members, aligns with the European Schools’ mission and should be maintained. An important part of school education is to provide a safe space for pupils to develop and express their own thoughts on certain political and societal debates. The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to advance equality and uphold lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) rights. 2. The Commission has a limited role in the teaching provided in the European Schools. The inspectors appointed by the Member States are responsible to develop the school curriculum, to ensure that all pupils have full access to it and to guarantee that teachers not only impart knowledge but also foster the development of other essential competencies, including social skills. Parents, through their respective associations, are also closely involved. 3. The European Schools provide education primarily for the children of staff and members of the European institutions. The Commission fully supports the inclusion of pupils from other backgrounds, provided that the capacity of the schools allows. The current fees those families have to pay represent only a fraction of those charged by private schools. The European Schools also host several pupils who fled Ukraine following the Russian military aggression.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Role of education (social change vs. tradition)
• 2025-01-15 “E-000145/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission As stated in the Commission’s response to written question E-001775/2024 1 on the sale of second-hand items on the internet, whether specific items, such as CDs, DVDs or video games, qualify as antiques or fall under the category of collectors’ items exempted from the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) 2 must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Recital 18 of the GPSR specifies that ‘collectors’ items are of a sufficient rarity and historical or scientific interest to justify their collection and preservation’ 3 . This assessment is primarily the responsibility of the relevant economic operators involved in the placing/making available of these items on the EU single market as well as of the national market surveillance authorities. Online platforms themselves are not tasked with determining the classification of such products. Nonetheless, they must comply with their obligations set out in the GPSR and enable economic operators to provide the necessary product information. The Commission provides guidance to support businesses’ compliance with the GSPR, taking into account the needs of smaller businesses 4 . 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 2 Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety, amending Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Directive (EU) 2020/1828 of the European Parliament and the Council, and repealing Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 87/357/EEC, PE/79/2022/REV/1 OJ L 135, 23.5.2023, p. 1–51. 3 These definitions stem from the Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (tax (OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1), as referred to in Recital 18 GPSR. 4 In accordance with Article 17 GPSR, support designed to facilitate compliance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the GPSR will be made available. In particular, the Commission is in the process of adopting guidelines for economic operators, focusing on the needs of SMEs, including micro-enterprises, on how to fulfil their obligations. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 47 of the GPSR, the Commission is to carry out an evaluation by the end of 2029, where it will assess if the regulation has achieved its objectives while also taking into account its impact on SMEs.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards · Overall simplification of regulation in the EU (free access)
• 2025-01-07 “E-000032/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The video games market is global, where most commercially released video games (with few exceptions) become available to all potential customers worldwide. Due to limited aggregated data available across geographies, it is difficult to establish the exact percentage of EU consumers’ spending for the European productions as well as the revenues that an EU video games’ company would generate on the EU market. The Commission acknowledges the importance of a strong and competitive video game industry within the EU. Funding under the Creative Europe programme’s Video Games development calls for proposals is only available to companies established in a country participating fully in the MEDIA strand and owned directly or indirectly, wholly or by majority participation, by nationals from such countries 1 . In addition, Member States can provide support to the video games industry under EU State aid rules. The Commission has approved, under Article 107(3)(d) of the TFEU, aid schemes for video games which serve a cultural or educational purpose in several Member States (including France 2 ). The Commission recognises the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including their application in the video game sector. While there are currently no specific plans to create a dedicated European database for training generative AI models for video games, video games companies, just like other EU Small and medium-sized enterprises, can benefit from existing EU initiatives aimed at strengthening their AI capabilities 3 . 1 https://culture.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-10/2025-creative-europe-annual-work-programmeC%282024%296503%2018-09-2024.pdf 2 See, for example, Commission Decision C(2024) 6525 final of 13 September 2024 in State aid case SA.115028 (2024/N) – France, Fonds d’aides sélectives à la création de jeux vidéo - Prolongation de l’aide d’État SA.60845 (2021/N), OJ C/2024/6002, 8.10.2024, p. 1: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/FR/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:C_202406002 3 For example, the GenAI4EU initiative, part of the AI innovation package, aims to stimulate the uptake of generative AI across the EU’s fourteen strategic industrial ecosystems, including virtual worlds and digital twins, which are essential for creating immersive virtual environments like the ones used in video games.”
  Artificial Intelligence · State Aid
• 2025-01-07 “E-000031/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been working together with tourism stakeholders in supporting resilient, sustainable and digitally-fit European tourism along the priorities and actions agreed together under the Transition Pathway for Tourism and European Agenda for Tourism 2030. All the priorities the Honourable Member is referring to - better connected tourism destinations, training and skills, as well as proper working conditions for tourism staff - are part of the EU’s shared agenda and efforts. For example, the EU Pact for Skills initiative and large-scale partnership (LSP) for tourism has a headline objective of reskilling and upskilling 10% of the tourism workforce per year. Efforts under the Pact for Skills and the Erasmus+-funded projects related to it have resulted in the training of tens of thousands of tourism employees. The tourism LSP will continue its collective efforts to reach this goal and ensure a robust and skilled tourism workforce. Building on the progress achieved so far, which is well reflected in the upcoming stock-taking report on the implementation of the Transition Pathway for Tourism, as well as on the upcoming report to the Council on the implementation of the European Agenda for Tourism 2030, the Commission will be proposing a new EU strategy for sustainable tourism. The priorities will be designed following consultation with relevant tourism stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, civil society and youth. A sustainable transport sector is also a key priority for tourism, with a view of improving accessibility and passenger rights. This includes instruments such as multi-modal single digital booking and ticketing. This will help to promote Destination Europe beyond the European continent.”
  EU strategy for tourism development
• 2024-12-18 “E-003009/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission remains strongly committed to promoting the competitiveness of European media companies, encouraging the cross-border circulation of media content and enhancing cultural diversity and media pluralism as key policy objectives under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) 1 . The Commission regularly reports on the implementation of the rules to promote European works by linear and non-linear service providers set in Articles 13, 16 and 17 of the AVMSD. Additionally, by December 2026, the Commission will assess the impact of the AVMSD and deliver an evaluation report. The evaluation report will examine the relevance of current rules, including those on the promotion of European works and quota obligations. It will also identify potential shortcomings in view of the evolution of the market. The country-of-origin principle remains a cornerstone of the internal audiovisual media market. The European Media Freedom Act 2 has introduced a new cooperation mechanism among national media regulators designed to enhance regulatory convergence and enforcement under the AVMSD. If a revision of the AVMSD proves to be necessary, the Commission will carefully evaluate different options for achieving its objectives. The current AVMSD definition of European works covers all the audiovisual works originating in the EU, and also those from parties to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television of the Council of Europe 3 . Any change would have to, on the one hand, be duly justified, e.g. based on strong evidence of positive impact on the European economy and, on the other hand, avoid unjustified or disproportionate harm to European media service providers. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32018L1808 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-europeandemocracy/protecting-democracy/european-media-freedom-act_en 3 https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/-/council-of-europe-european-convention-on-transfrontier-televisionets-no-132-translations”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2024-12-17 “E-002981/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the importance of the fight against online piracy. In order to address the issues linked to the unauthorised retransmissions of live events, the Commission adopted, in May 2023 the Recommendation on combating online piracy of sport and other live events 1 . The Recommendation builds on existing EU legislation and provides indication on how the legal remedies available under EU law can be used to tackle the illegal retransmission of live events. In particular, it encourages Member States to use dynamic injunctions to enable the blocking of pirate services, subject to certain safeguards. The Commission and the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights in the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) 2 work closely to monitor the implementation of the Recommendation and its effects on online piracy of sports and other live events. No specific information is available at this stage on the effectiveness of the blocking measures implemented in certain Member States. The data collection exercise, based on key performance indicators 3 (KPIs) published following consultation with stakeholders, is ongoing. These KPIs look at the volume of piracy by measuring the traffic to piracy websites, the prompt treatment of notices, the use of dynamic injunctions, and at the availability and affordability of legal offer. By 17 November 2025, the Commission will assess the effects of the Recommendation taking into account the results from the monitoring exercise. 1 COM(2023) 2853 final. 2 https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/observatory/enforcement/combating-piracy 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/recommendation-online-piracy-sports-and-other-live-eventscommission-services-publish-key”
  Broadcasting of sports events
• 2024-12-10 “E-002840/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Whether any subject matter enjoys protection as a work of authorship and merits copyright protection under EU copyright law would depend on whether it qualifies as an original work and can be expressed in a manner which makes it identifiable with sufficient precision and objectivity. If subtitles meet the criteria for copyright protection, their use by third parties must be authorised by the relevant rightsholders, unless specific exceptions or limitations apply in EU copyright law. Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 1 introduces an exception for text and data mining carried out on lawfully accessible copyright-protected content, which provide a relevant framework for the use of protected content for the training of artificial intelligence (AI) models. Under Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/790, rightsholders can expressly reserve the right ‘in an appropriate manner such as machine-readable means’, thus preventing their works from being used under the exception for text and data mining purposes, including in the context of AI. The respect of such rights reservation is supported by the AI Act 2 . Under the AI Act, general-purpose AI model providers must put in place a policy to respect EU copyright law and make publicly available a sufficiently detailed summary of the content used for regardless of where the training occurs. The Commission will continue to promote the development of AI in the EU, in the respect of copyright rules, by facilitating licensing between creative industries and AI companies. 1 Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/790/oj 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng”
  Artificial Intelligence
• 2024-12-04 “E-002742/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission In its decision referred to by the Honourable Member, the Conseil d'État acknowledges that the health data concerned will be hosted in data centres located in the EU and that no transfers of health data to a third country are foreseen. The necessity and proportionality safeguards, put in place by Executive Order 14086 1 in the context of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), apply to surveillance under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) 2 . Those safeguards and the reauthorisation of FISA Section 702 have recently been assessed in the first DPF review report and are continuously monitored by the Commission 3 . Transfers of personal data to third countries outside the European Economic Area may only be carried out in compliance with the rules laid down in the General Data Protection Regulation 4 . In upcoming initiatives on data use and storage, such as the Data Union Strategy and the Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Act, the Commission will aim at strengthening the position of Europe’s cloud industry and preventing any misuse of our most sensitive data 5 . The Commission is supporting the development of infrastructure to foster innovation and the deployment of digital technologies in health and care allowing for the development and testing of AI-based technologies for diagnosis and treatment. The Commission has also put forward the European Health Data Space 6 , to support the development of AI by ensuring that electronic health data can be made available for purposes 1 Executive Order on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-10-14/pdf/2022-22531.pdf 2 See recitals 124 and 125 of Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 of 10 July 2023 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adequate level of protection of personal data under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework; 50 US Code §1881a. 3 Commission report of 9 October 2024 to the European Parliament and the Council on the first periodic review of the functioning of the adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, COM(2024) 451 final. It is further recalled that under the GDPR, all adequacy decisions are subject to continuous monitoring and all the necessary tools are in place to react to any possible developments. In particular, the Commission has the power to suspend, amend or repeal the adequacy decision if it concludes that the required level of protection is no longer ensured (see Article 3(5) of Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 and Article 45(5) GDPR. 4 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation); OJ L 119, 04/05/2016, p. 1–88. 5 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A Competitiveness Compass For The EU, 29 January 2025, COM(2025) 30 final - https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10017eb14722-4333-add2-e0ed18105a34_en 6 https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/en/procedure-file?reference=2022/0140(COD) On 21 January 2025 the Act was adopted by Council after Parliament’s 1 st reading. On 11 February 2025 the final Act was signed.”
  Processing of health data
• 2024-12-04 “E-002743/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The use of personal data, including in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) training, by online platforms established in the EU is regulated by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 1 . This includes the possible transfer of personal data to a third country outside of the European Economic Area. Without prejudice to its powers as guardian of the Treaties, the monitoring and enforcement of the GDPR falls primarily under the competence of national data protection authorities (DPAs) and courts. DPAs have launched several investigations into platforms’ uses of personal data to train AI models 2 and the European Data Protection Board has recently issued an opinion on the use of personal data for the development and deployment of AI models in line with the GDPR 3 . General purpose AI (GPAI) models generate content based on the input data it has been trained on. Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 4 introduced an exception for text and data mining (TDM), which provides a relevant framework for the use of protected content for AI training. Article 4(3) allows rightsholders to reserve their rights, thereby preventing their works or subject matter from being used under the exception. In such cases, GPAI models’ providers wishing to use such content to train their models must obtain authorisation from rightsholders to carry out TDM. Moreover, according to Article 53(1)(c) of the AI Act 5 , GPAI models’ providers placed in the EU market must put in place a policy to comply with EU copyright law, in particular with the rights reservation expressed under Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/790, irrespective of where the training of such models occurs. This measure will facilitate the enforcement of copyright and related rights in the EU. 1 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation); OJ L 119, 04/05/2016, p. 1–88. 2 https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/press-releases/data-protection-commission-launches-inquirygoogle-ai-model and https://www.edpb.europa.eu/system/files/202405/edpb_20240523_report_chatgpt_taskforce_en.pdf 3 https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-opinion-ai-models-gdpr-principles-support-responsibleai_en 4 Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC, OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 92–125. 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828, OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024.”
  GDPR · Artificial Intelligence · EU-US data transfers
• 2024-11-26 “E-002666/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission Since 12 July 2023, the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) 1 enables the Commission to address the distortive effect on competition of foreign subsidies. In particular, it introduced a notification obligation for bidders in public procurement procedures falling within the scope of application of the Regulation with an estimated value equal or greater than EUR 250 million. In so far as the Commission’s own funding activities are concerned, the recast of the Financial Regulation 2 has introduced a horizontal legal basis in its Article 136 in order to identify sensitive award procedures, e.g. concerning strategic assets and interests such as satellite infrastructure. This allows for the introduction of participation restrictions, including for third country ownership and control of applicants and tenderers, where necessary, to protect security and public order of the EU and its Member States. Furthermore, with the Single Market Strategy 3 presented on 21 May 2025, the Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to review the EU public procurement framework in 2026 also with a view to introducing European preference criteria in EU public procurement for certain strategic technologies and sectors, while ensuring the competitiveness of tenders. The development of the platform as referred to by the Honourable Member has not been supported with EU funds. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R2560. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202402509. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0500.”
  "Buy European" provisions
• 2024-11-13 “E-002519/2024 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission addresses fundamental and minority rights through the regular policy dialogue with Kosovo * and its annual enlargement reports. In its 2024 report 1 , the Commission calls on Kosovo to safeguard existing mechanisms protecting the rights of non-majority communities and to improve their implementation. The EU in Kosovo is in regular contact with the Serbian Orthodox Church and co-chairs the Implementation and Monitoring Council, which serves as a platform to solve disputes between the government of Kosovo and the Serbian Orthodox Church. With the 2023 Agreement on the path to normalisation 2 , Kosovo and Serbia agreed to formalise the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and afford a strong level of protection to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites. The EU Special Representative for the BelgradePristina Dialogue continues to work with both Kosovo and Serbia on the implementation of their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement. Since 2014, the Instruments for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II 3 and IPA III 4 ) provided EUR 125.5 million for supporting the rule of law and fundamental rights, including over EUR 7.5 million for various projects benefitting Christian organisations and the Orthodox community in Kosovo. This includes EU assistance of EUR 5.6 million under Inter-community Dialogue through inclusive Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative 5 aiming to reconstruct cultural heritage sites. EU assistance in Kosovo is implemented based on the formal procedures and the strict rules applicable to EU funding. * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c790738e-4cf6-4a43-a8a943c1b6f01e10_en?filename=Kosovo%20Report%202024.pdf 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/belgrade-pristina-dialogue-agreement-path-normalisation-between-kosovo-andserbia_en 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014R0231 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R1529 5 This programme funded by the EU and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme covers three contracts: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/ks/CulturalHeritage_booklet_ENG_web.pdf, https://www.undp.org/kosovo/projects/inter-community-dialogue-through-inclusive-cultural-heritage-preservation and https://www.undp.org/kosovo/projects/cultural-heritage-driver-intercommunity-dialogue-and-social-cohesion”
  EU-Kosovo relations · EU relations with Western Balkans · EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU
• 2024-11-06 “E-002429/2024 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is acting to address the challenges of e-commerce platforms to ensure safety and security, EU sustainable standards and a level playing field within the Single Market. In May 2023, it published the Customs Reform package 1 that contains three separate legal proposals: the main regulation that replaces the current Union Customs Code, and establishes the EU Customs Authority, a regulation that removes the 150 duty exemption, and introducing a simplified tariff treatment for low-value consignments and a directive as regards value added tax rules relating to a special scheme for distance sales of goods imported from third countries. The proposal is currently under discussion in the Council while the European Parliament adopted its first reading position in March 2024. Moreover, the Commission opened two formal proceedings (against AliExpress in March 2024 2 and Temu in October 2024 3 ), following the suspicion that the providers of these very large online platforms (VLOPs) may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) 4 , notably in areas linked to the management and mitigation of the systemic risks of dissemination of illegal content. Depending on the findings and the investigations’ outcome, the Commission will take the appropriate actions. If it definitely establishes a breach of the DSA, the Commission may adopt a decision imposing fines up to 6% of the global turnover of the VLOP provider concerned and order the provider to take measures to address the breach by a certain deadline. Furthermore, the Commission is working with the Member States’ authorities to support EU law enforcement and better target controls on e-commerce transactions, encouraging cooperation between the different national enforcement authorities. 1 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union Customs Code and the European Union Customs Authority, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. 2 See the Commission decision initiating proceedings and https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1485 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-opens-formal-proceedings-against-temu-underdigital-services-act 4 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act).”
  Liability for online marketplaces · EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2024-11-06 “E-002428/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Since it was created in 2018, the Gaziantep University in Türkiye has been awarded a total amount of EUR 157 746 via three Erasmus+ grant agreements, for sending students to avail of learning abroad opportunities. The Commission is politically committed and legally bound to ensure that no one receives EU funding if they are involved in criminal or unethical practices, terrorism-related offences, or in other activities incompatible with EU values. The Financial Regulation recast 1 introduced an explicit ground under the early detection and exclusion system for excluding entities from receiving EU financial support, if they have engaged in activities contrary to the values on which the EU is founded 2 , such as incitement to discrimination, hatred, or violence 3 . The Commission will immediately act on any evidence of such violations by specific entities, by taking adequate measures in line with the applicable legal framework, such as suspension of contract or payments, contract termination, recovery of funds, or even exclusion from EU financing. Mechanisms framed by the EU Financial Regulation have been put in place to protect EU values, including by adding new provisions in the Erasmus+ documents and grant agreements. The Commission will continue rigorous monitoring procedures through checks and followups on compliance with EU values. This includes close collaboration with national agencies responsible for the implementation of actions under the Erasmus+ programme. 1 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/990fe2a6-8f52-11ef-a130-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 2 These values are enshrined in Article 2 Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 3 Article 138(1), point (c)(vi) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast), OJ L 2024/2509, 26.9.2024.”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU · EU-Turkey relations
• 2024-11-06 “E-002427/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission shares the key objective to protect and empower minors online 1 . The protection of minors is one of the main policy objectives of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act) (‘the DSA’) 2 , which fully harmonises rules for a safe, predictable and reliable online environment for intermediary services. Article 28 DSA requires providers of online platforms to put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of minors, on their service. The Commission is developing guidelines on this provision. The DSA also prohibits them from targeting advertising to minors based on profiling using their personal data. Under the DSA, the larger service online platforms and search engines must assess systemic risks of their service, notably in relation to respect for the rights of the child, the protection of minors and serious negative consequences to the person’s physical and mental well-being. Finally, the DSA requires that those service providers put in place reasonable, proportionate and effective and targeted measures to mitigate those risks, such as age verification, parental control tools and tools aimed at helping minors signal abuse or obtain support 3 . The Commission is developing a solution for age verification, based on the EU Digital Identity Wallet framework, to be deployed by Member States in 2025. Member States are not allowed to adopt or maintain additional national requirements on matters covered by the DSA, to preserve the direct and uniform application of its fully harmonised rules. The Commission will explore the remaining scope for strengthening digital consumer protection in the context of a Digital Fairness Act. 1 Through the Better internet for children (BIK+) strategy, the Commission continues to foster child online safety, making more visible the support offered by the EU co-funded network of Safer Internet Centres. 2 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, p. 1, available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065. 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/call-tenders-development-consultancy-and-support-ageverification-solution”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Recommender systems
• 2024-09-18 “E-001755/2024 Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is promoting the development and use of AI-based machine translation tools to enhance multilingualism, both internally and externally. Since 2017, the Commission’s machine translation system, eTranslation 1 , has bridged the gap between human translation and no translation, expanding the language coverage for Commission’s content. As of 2021, eTranslation has been integrated into the Commission’s websites (over 160 sites and 11 million page views in 2024) and the Citizens’ Engagement Platform 2 , where citizens can have their say in ongoing debates on EU policies. This tool is widely used (400 000 web pages translated in September 2024), and satisfaction surveys show that 93% of the users deem machine translation to be useful. For websites, a specific disclaimer is shown when users get a machine-translation version of texts, and each service decides whether to use eTranslation on the sites they are responsible for. Regarding spoken language, the Commission offers a Speech-to-Text 3 service that transcribes video and audio recordings, and which is publicly available. All Commission staff can use eTranslation and Speech-to-Text for their everyday tasks. These AI-based tools, including the new real-time transcription, are co-financed by the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) 4 , and therefore are available not only to the EU Institutions, but also to Member State public administrations, and EU-based SMEs, NGOs and academia. Furthermore, the Alliance for Language Technologies (ALT-EDIC) 5 has been set up by the Commission. Its role is to create a common European data infrastructure and services for language technologies to strengthen Europe's technological competitiveness while supporting its cultural diversity. 1 https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/etranslation/translateTextSnippet.html 2 https://citizens.ec.europa.eu/index_en 3 https://language-tools.ec.europa.eu/SpeechServices/Transcription 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme 5 https://language-data-space.ec.europa.eu/related-initiatives/alt-edic_en”
  Artificial Intelligence · Digitalization of public governance & administration
• 2024-09-11 “E-001684/2024 Answer given by Ms Ivanova on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges that the Shanghai Ranking is one of several global university rankings that has its own specific criteria and methodology. As announced in the European strategy for universities 1 , the Commission is launching a European Higher Education Sector Observatory (EHESO) to reflect the attributes and priorities of European higher education institutions. EHESO will monitor and support European universities on a broad range of policy-relevant dimensions. Going beyond a predefined ranking list, EHESO will provide a multidimensional benchmarking tool which allows universities to compare and assess themselves on the dimensions of quality and performance they consider most relevant. The further development of EHESO involves collaboration with Member States, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach. To support European universities, the Commission continues to promote initiatives that align with the missions and intrinsic values of these institutions. This includes funding programmes like Erasmus+ 2 and Horizon Europe 3 , which support education, training, innovation and research. The Commission also facilitates the sharing of best practices and fosters collaboration among European universities to enhance their global competitiveness without compromising their core values. 1 https://education.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/communication-european-strategy-for-universitiesgraphic-version.pdf 2 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU · Research priorities within the EU
• 2024-09-09 “E-001662/2024 Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission The European Commission is deeply committed to safeguarding and enhancing cultural heritage in all its forms. It therefore takes note of the suggestion to fund electrical systems and surveillance equipment at cultural heritage sites in the Member States. The Commission would emphasise that the preservation, conservation and promotion of cultural heritage is primarily a Member State responsibility. However, Creative Europe, which is Europe’s flagship programme to support the cultural and creative sectors, including religious heritage, co-funds initiatives and projects of European interest or importance aimed at the preservation, promotion and stewardship of built cultural heritage sites. Municipalities of any size are able to access this funding. In relation to the European Regional Development Fund and other cohesion funds, the use of appropriations is governed by the Partnership Agreement between France and the Commission and the details are set out in regional programmes. The national or regional managing authorities select projects for funding and are also responsible for applying the many simplifications introduced by the regulations governing the funds as well as for supporting project owners. The aim is to open up access to funding in compliance with the programme conditions which are uniformly applied to all eligible beneficiaries.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-09-05 “E-001635/2024 Answer given by Ms Ivanova on behalf of the European Commission Cultural policy is primarily a Member State responsibility under Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) 1 , where the EU plays a supporting role. The Commission collaborates with Member States to share best practices, promote mutual learning, and address common challenges. The Commission supports cultural projects that respect local identities, promote diversity, and encourage cultural exchanges. The Creative Europe Programme 2 upholds values enshrined in the Treaties by safeguarding and promoting Europe’s cultural and linguistic diversity. It aims to enhance the competitiveness of cultural sectors while fostering transnational cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and social inclusion. Monitoring mechanisms, including project reporting and regular evaluations, ensure that projects meet these goals and deliver a European added value. The programme funds projects reflecting Europe's diversity without endorsing any ideology. In its European Cooperation Projects call, the programme prioritises inclusion and diversity, encouraging participation of audiences facing geographical obstacles 3 . It also co-funds actions that safeguard local cultural heritage and support linguistic diversity, such as the Circulation of European literary works, the European Capital of Culture, and the European Heritage Days. EU cohesion policy supports Member States and regions’ efforts to strengthen equal access to culture and its role in socioeconomic and territorial development and social inclusion, especially in rural areas. At all stages, Member States must ensure respects to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, gender equality and non-discrimination 4 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12008E167#:~:text=Article%20167%20%28ex%20Article%20151%20TEC %29%201.%20The,bringing%20the%20common%20cultural%20heritage%20to%20the%20fore 2 https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/wp-call/2024/call-fiche_crea-cult2024-coop_en.pdf 4 Article 9 of Common Provisions Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R1060”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU and national cultural identities
• 2024-09-05 “E-001633/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission Many phosphorus compounds, including amino-polyphosphonates, may be present in detergents. In order to reduce their environmental impact and that of their metabolites such as amino-methyl-phosphonic acid (AMPA), an amendment 1 of the Detergents Regulation 2 in 2012 introduced EU limits on the content of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in laundry and dishwasher detergents. Based on an impact assessment 3 , the Commission in its 2023 Proposal for a revised Regulation 4 maintained the current level of protection, the proposal is under negotiation. The proposal for a revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 5 includes stricter limits on the release of phosphorus from treatment plants and provides for future regulation of the recovery and reuse of this nutrient. The Commission, in close cooperation with Member State authorities at all levels, is working to prevent water pollution where possible, and to enforce compliance with the water acquis 6 and related legislation 7 controlling pollutant discharges. Industry is obliged to report on the substances, including metabolites, in their discharges, including those discharged via the urban wastewater system. Water authorities closely monitor discharges. If permitted discharge thresholds or environmental quality standards are exceeded, the pollutant sources have to be traced and enforcement measures taken to ensure compliance with existing permits or tighten them. It is in everyone’s interest that emissions of substances that threaten health or the environment are minimised. The Commission is not aware of authorities inappropriately attributing pollution, by AMPA or other substances, to the agricultural sector, and does not consider it necessary to initiate research on this issue. 1 Regulation (EU) No 259/2012 of the European parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2012 amending Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 as regards the use of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents, OJ L 94, 30.3.2012, p. 16, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/259/oj 2 Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents; OJ L 104, 8.4.2004, p. 1-35. 3 SWD(2023) 114 final – Impact assessment accompanying the Proposal for a Regulation of the European parliament and of the Council on detergents and surfactants, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. 4 Proposal for a Regulation of the European parliament and of the Council on detergents and surfactants, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004; COM(2023) 217 final. 5 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast); COM/2022/541 final. 6 In particular Directive 2000/60/EC of the European parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1, i.e. the Water Framework Directive, and its daughter directives. 7 Including Directive 2010/75/EU of the European parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (recast), OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17.”
  GMOs · Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-05 “E-001632/2024 Answer given by Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission 1. In the Commission proposal for a Traineeships Directive 1 , it is proposed that Member States be required to provide for effective controls and inspections conducted by competent authorities to detect and take enforcement measures against practices where a regular employment relationship is disguised as a traineeship. To this end Member States can make use of EU funds 2 , for example to support training of and guidance to labour inspectorates. 2. Though incentives for offering paid traineeships are not part of the proposed Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships 3 , the proposed recommendation does encourage Member States to provide financial and/or non-financial support such as practical guidance to traineeship providers in applying this Recommendation. 3. According to the proposed Council Recommendation, Member States are to ensure that traineeship providers designate a supervisor. The proposed Council Recommendation does not specify further details, such as the status of supervisors or the recruitment practises. 1 COM/2024/132, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024PC0132 2 For example, the European Social Fund Plus, https://european-social-fundplus.ec.europa.eu/en#:~:text=What%20is%20ESF+?%20The%20European%20Social 3 COM/2024/133, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A133%3AFIN”
  EU policy on permanent and fixed-term employment · Youth employment & training
• 2024-09-05 “E-001634/2024 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The media grants referenced within the question are issued and managed by the European Parliament and the Commission is therefore unable to reply.”
  EU public communication strategy · EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2024-09-03 “E-001601/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission The Commission proposal on the EU Talent Pool 1 aims at facilitating international recruitment of third-country nationals residing outside the EU. The proposal does not impact the rules on migration and the existing national and EU legal frameworks continue to apply. This means that, if the EU Talent Pool is adopted, third-country nationals recruited via the platform still have to go through the immigration procedures of the concerned Member State before entering the EU. Jobseekers will also be required to declare that they are not subject to a refusal of entry or stay in a Member State to register their profiles. The veracity of this declaration will be checked during the immigration procedures. Procedures for the validation of skills and recognition of qualifications of registered jobseekers, will continue to be conducted in the Member States in accordance with their law 2 . Online information on these processes will be available on the platform. The Commission has proposed that jobseekers having participated in a Talent Partnership will receive an ‘EU Talent Partnership pass’ certifying the skills developed or validated in that context. The EU Talent Pool is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration. Increased legal migration possibilities can help employers that struggle to find the workers they need on the domestic labour market to attract talent from abroad 3 . Legal pathways can also deter migrants from placing their hands in the lives of smugglers. The proposal does not make the access of third-country nationals to the EU Talent Pool conditional on the signing of a readmission agreement with their country of origin. 1 COM(2023)716 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0716 2 Recital 19. 3 COM(2023)577 final”
  Legal migration · EU policy on brain drain
• 2024-07-25 “E-001423/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has intensively worked on analysing the consequences of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C-265/19 on the remuneration of phonogram producers and performers 1 . The Commission conducted a comprehensive evidence-gathering and engaged in discussions with Member States and stakeholders on this matter. More details and references may be found in the reply to written question E-001161/2024. The discussions with Member States and the feedback from the stakeholders highlighted significant differences across Member States in the practices of remunerating third-country phonogram producers and performers, based on national treatment or material reciprocity. There were as well varying opinions on the necessity of any form of regulatory intervention especially if that intervention would be for the purposes of reversing the judgment of the Court of Justice with the risk of fragmenting the internal market. Accordingly, the review of Directive 2006/115/EC 2 was not identified as one of the matters for which the Commission would bring forward proposals under the 2019-2024 mandate. The matter may be further examined under the new Commission. 1 Judgement of 8 September 2020, Recorded Artists Actors Performers Ltd v Phonographic Performance (Ireland) Ltd and Others, C-265/19, EU:C:2020:677. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32006L0115”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2024-07-23 “E-001404/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of fraud cases concerning food supplements as reported by the Honourable Member. In fact, more than 1,000 non-compliances on food supplements were reported by Member States’ authorities within the EU Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) 1 between January 2023 and July 2024, amongst which two-thirds were reported within the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed. Out of these, 78 cases relate to the presence of unauthorised substances (such as medicines, stimulants, and doping substances) and 392 to the detection of ingredients that are not authorised in the EU. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) performs comprehensive risk assessments on the safety of substances used in food supplements before any EU authorisation is granted. The presence of medicines, stimulants, and doping substances in food and of substances unauthorised as food ingredients, are in breach with EU legislation. While the current EU legal framework is considered to be fit for purpose, its implementation and enforcement remain under the responsibility of the Member States. The Commission will continue assisting Member States in these responsibilities, notably through EU coordinated actions 2 and enhancing communication and cooperation through its ACN. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) also supports Member States in preventing and combating organised fraud in the sector 3 . 1 https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/acn_en 2 In 2017 the Commission launched the first EU coordinated control programme on online offered food products: https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/eu-agri-food-fraud-network/eu-coordinated-actions/online-offered-food-2017_en 3 E.g.: https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas/illicit-trafficking-in-hormonal-substances-and-other-growthpromoters”
  EU policy on novel foods · Nutrition
• 2024-07-23 “E-001402/2024 Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware that places of worship, like many public non-residential buildings of a certain size, are faced with considerable financial challenges with regard to their maintenance. At European level, the new Directive on the energy performance of buildings (Directive (EU) 2024/1275 1 ), which entered into force on 29 May 2024 with a two-year deadline for its transposition, is a decisive tool for improving the efficiency and performance of buildings by prioritising the renovation of the worst-performing buildings. The Directive’s scope covers all buildings that use energy, including places of worship. The latter may be exempted from certain standards, although this is just a derogation that Member States may introduce, if they so wish, as part of the transposition. In terms of funding, the Commission is already giving significant support to the energy renovation of buildings through a number of programmes and funds (Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion, and soon the Social Climate Fund). These funds are made available to countries and local authorities to finance their priorities in each economic sector. Ultimately, the Directive includes a whole set of measures aimed at establishing an enabling framework for guiding and financing renovations. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401275#d1e1151-1-1”
  Energy (green transition)