Henna Vikkunen gave Internal Market MEPs an overview of the Commission’s achievements and forthcoming plans to boost EU competitiveness, security and technological sovereignty.
Enforcement action
In the framework of the annual structured dialogue, Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, outlined the Commission’s ongoing enforcement of the EU’s digital rules and presented several recent and upcoming initiatives on competitiveness, security and artificial intelligence.
She highlighted the increased protection,innovation and choice now available to consumers and businesses online since the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA).The Commission is in regular dialogue with online platforms, and she stressed,will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement actions. When pressed by members on the timeline for enforcement decisions, she underlined the importance of respecting due process,but assured enforcement will not be delayed. She also noted that the DSA guidelines on the protection of minors online are expected before the summer, and that the Commission is also preparinga privacy-friendly age verification solution for minors.
Election integrity
Ms Virkkunen provided updates on the recent actions to address election risks and protect democratic discourse under the DSA, including proceedings against TikTok and the European Commission’s close cooperation with companies and national authorities ahead of elections. The Commission continues to closely monitor the situation in Romania and has extended its data retention order to TikTok. The platformhas made changes to improve its systemsfor detecting and labeling political accounts, increased the numberof content moderators in Romanian, and has activated a rapid response system.In light of these developments,MEPs sought further details about the round table discussions organised by national authorities, as well as the transparency of DSA enforcement and resurgence of fake accounts.
EU preparedness and sovereignty
Discussing the current geopolitical situation, EU preparedness, the possible impact of tariffs and full-scale trade war, the Executive Vice-President underlined that the EU has all the necessary resources to remain competitive and sovereign.However, she stressed that it is more important than ever for the EU to remove existing single marker barriers and boost investments and innovation. Asked about US efforts to undermine EU tech rules, Ms Virkkunen responded that EU rules are fair and apply equally to all businesses operating in the EU.She underlined that nobody would benefit from a trade war, but the EU ispreparing its response and stands ready to protect its industry and citizens.
The Commission is set to present an ambition AI Continent Action Plan this Wednesday. MEPs raised questionsabout the Artificial Intelligence Act, the of code of practicefor providers of general-purpose AI models,the planned a withdrawal ofthe AI liability directive,risks of over-removal of content under the DSA,the upcoming Digital Fairness Act and possible simplification of core digital regulations.
You can watch a recording of the full meeting here.