AIG Newsletter 25 May 2026

NEWS

In this week's edition: the Commission publishes conclusions from its AVMSD implementation dialogue. IMCO-LIBE committees approve the inter-institutional agreement on the AI Omnibus, aimed at simplifying implementation of the AI Act and supporting European AI innovation. Parliament's research service examines proposals for a minimum age for social media, while IMCO reviews progress on the Single Market Strategy with Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné. The General Court partially annuls Meta's DMA gatekeeper designation. Parliament advances work on digital policy, with CULT backing a new strategy on media literacy and digital learning. Finally, the Commission unveils its Tech Sovereignty Package to strengthen Europe's digital autonomy, AI leadership and competitiveness.

COMMISSION PUBLISHES AVMSD DIALOGUE CONCLUSIONS

Last month, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen held an implementation dialogue on the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss its implementation and review. Participants agreed the AVMSD has supported the internal media market, cultural diversity and viewer protection, while calling for simpler, updated rules. Key issues included ensuring fairer competition between broadcasters and platforms, updating advertising rules, clarifying obligations for influencers, supporting European works, and improving alignment with the Digital Services Act. Feedback will contribute to the ongoing review of the AVMSD.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT COMMITTEES BACK AI OMNIBUS COMPROMISE

On 2 June, the joint IMCO-LIBE committees approved the inter-institutional agreement on the AI Omnibus by 93 votes to 4, with 15 abstentions, ahead of an expected plenary vote in June. Co-rapporteurs Arba Kokalari and Michael McNamara welcomed the compromise, saying it would simplify implementation of the AI Act, increase legal certainty and support European AI start-ups and scale-ups. They also highlighted the ban on AI nudification apps and CSAM generation tools, while giving companies more time to comply with the new rules.

EPRS BRIEFING ON SOCIAL MEDIA AGE LIMITS

On 2 June, the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) published a briefing on proposals to introduce a minimum age for social media, highlighting growing efforts in the EU and globally to protect children from risks such as cyberbullying, grooming, harmful content and addictive platform design. The briefing notes that while many countries are considering age restrictions, evidence suggests bans can be difficult to enforce and age-verification tools raise privacy and fundamental rights concerns. It concludes that an EU-wide approach, combining privacy-preserving age checks with broader online safety measures, may be needed to better protect minors and avoid fragmented national rules.

EP IMCO DISCUSSES THE SINGLE MARKET STRATEGY WITH EVP SÉJOURNÉ

On 2 June, IMCO held an exchange of views with Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné on the EU Single Market Strategy, one year after its adoption. The discussion focused on progress achieved so far, remaining barriers, enforcement challenges and the impact of current geopolitical tensions on the functioning of the Single Market. Members also discussed the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, launched in April 2026 by EU leaders to modernise and complete the Single Market. The debate highlighted the need for better enforcement of EU rules, fewer obstacles for businesses, stronger consumer protection and further efforts to unlock the Single Market’s economic potential. Adopted in May 2025, the Single Market Strategy aims to facilitate the free movement of goods and services, reduce administrative burdens, improve digital tools for cross-border activities and support SMEs.

GENERAL COURT PARTLY ANNULS META DMA GATEKEEPER DESIGNATION

On 3 June, the General Court partially annulled the European Commission’s decision designating Meta as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Court upheld the designation of Messenger, finding that it constitutes an important gateway for businesses to reach users, but annulled the designation of Marketplace on the grounds that the Commission had not sufficiently justified its reasoning. The ruling is largely procedural, as the Commission had already removed Marketplace’s gatekeeper status in 2025 after it fell below the relevant user thresholds. The judgment provides further guidance on how gatekeeper designations under the DMA must be substantiated and may be appealed before the Court of Justice of the EU.

EP CULT ADOPTS MEDIA LITERACY REPORT

On 3 June, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) adopted its report on a new strategy for media literacy and digital learning. The report calls for stronger integration into education and lifelong learning, greater support for educators, and measures to help citizens navigate disinformation, algorithm-driven content and AI-generated media. It also highlights the important role of civil society, independent media and educational organisations in promoting media literacy.

GREENS/EFA CALLS FOR STRONGER EU TECH SOVEREIGNTY

Ahead of the EU Tech Sovereignty Package, the Greens/EFA Group joined European tech firms and civil society organisations in calling for greater investment in European digital technologies and infrastructure. On 3 June, the European Commission unveiled measures to boost Europe’s digital autonomy, AI leadership and competitiveness, including Chips Act 2.0, the Cloud and AI Development Act, and an Open Source Strategy. The Greens/EFA welcomed the focus on reducing digital dependencies and supporting open source, but said the package lacks clear “Made in Europe” requirements and stronger safeguards against cloud “sovereignty washing”.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

10 June: One Market, One Europe: unlocking the Digital Single Market 

12 June: Working Party on Data Protection Meeting

12 June: European Parliament Meeting