AIG Newsletter 2 June 2025

NEWS

In this week's edition:  EP IMCO Committee gets progress update on the implementation of the DSA and convenes a meeting to discuss the findings of the 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard. The EC calls for evidence on the European Data Union Strategy, and announces its 4th Omnibus on simplification. Moreover, the EC presents its new Single Market Strategy while Denmark proposes banning junk food ads to children under 15. Finally, the EP IMCO Committee report on protection of minors online calls for drastic changes to the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and an outright ban on targeted advertising for all digital traders.

EP IMCO GETS PROGRESS UPDATE ON DSA

On 19 May, EP IMCO received an update on the DSA Working Group's inaugural meeting. MEP Schaldemose reported the group had a productive session with the deputy director general of DG CONNECT, who provided insights into DSA implementation and Commission priorities. The discussions centred on protecting minors online, addressing manipulative design and algorithms, harmonising age regulations, and clarifying platform responsibilities.

EP IMCO DISCUSSES CONSUMER CONDITIONS SCOREBOARD

EP IMCO convened on 19 May to examine the findings of the 2025 Consumer Conditions Scoreboard. Although consumer confidence in rights protection remained robust, concerns regarding online fraud, and targeted advertising were high. The data also revealed declining sustainable consumption patterns due to high costs and confusion surrounding environmental claims. MEPs questioned whether these challenges reflect inadequate enforcement or legislative shortcomings, prompting the Commission to acknowledge the need for enhanced digital fairness regulations and more dependable environmental information.

EC CALLS FOR EVIDENCE ON EU DATA UNION STRATEGY

On 23 May, the EC launched a public consultation regarding its upcoming Data Union Strategy, which seeks to streamline data regulations, improve international data flows, and foster the creation of high-quality datasets for AI applications. The strategy is designed to ensure consistency across various policies, infrastructures, and legal frameworks whilst enabling secure cross-border data sharing and supporting common data spaces connected to the AI ecosystem. The deadline for submitting feedback is 18 July.

FULL SPEED AHEAD ON SIMPLIFICATION AGENDA

On 21 May, the EC unveiled its 4th Omnibus proposal designed to slash annual administrative costs for EU businesses by €400 million through comprehensive simplification measures, including the creation of a new "small mid-cap" category for companies with fewer than 750 employees and turnover up to €150 million. Changes included the transition to risk-based GDPR record-keeping solely for high-risk processing. The EC also launched a public consultation on an Omnibus Regulation specifically targeting small mid-cap enterprises that face similar growth challenges to SMEs. Stakeholders can submit feedback until 21 July.

EC LAUNCHES SINGLE MARKET STRATEGY

On 21 May, the EC unveiled the Single Market Strategy, designed to enhance the EU's internal market and support SMEs to facilitate cross-border operations. The strategy, which promised to reduce administrative burdens by €400 million, builds upon recent expert recommendations to reinforce the Single Market as a cornerstone of EU competitiveness. Executive Vice-President Séjourné emphasised the importance of making the Single Market "simpler, seamless and stronger" by removing barriers that continue to hinder intra-EU trade.

DENMARK TO BAN JUNK FOOD ADS TO KIDS (EXTERNAL)

The Danish Government announced plans to introduce legislation banning the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children under 15, citing concerns about childhood obesity and the inadequacy of current industry self-regulation in addressing new forms of digital marketing, particularly through influencers and social media platforms. The proposed amendment to the Market Practices Act will prohibit companies and influencers from marketing unhealthy products to audiences substantially composed of children under 15.

IMCO REPORT ON PROTECTION OF MINORS ONLINE

The IMCO draft report on protecting minors online highlighted that current legislation provides incomplete protection against dark patterns, with the DSA covering only online platforms and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive lacking specific digital provisions. The report urged the EC to expand prohibited practices to include manipulative design techniques, extend targeted advertising bans to all digital traders beyond major platforms, and prohibit influencer marketing of unhealthy/dangerous content to minors. Additionally, Italy announced a draft law on the protection of minors online, limiting social media access to kids 15 and up. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

3 June: EP ITRE Meeting

3 June: Hearing on the Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising (EP EUDS

3 June: Keynote speech by Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Circular Economy at the EU Green Week(European Commission)

4 June: EP ENVI Meeting (2 days)

4 June: EC expected to publish International Digital Strategy - Strengthening the EU's leadership in global digital affairs

4 June: EP LIBE holding exchange of views with Commissioner McGrath

4 June: EP JURI Meeting

4 June: Event on Audiovisual Media Services Directive (European Audiovisual Observatory)

4 June: AI, Citizen Participation, and Democracy Shield: Challenges and Opportunities  (Committee of the Regions)

4 June: Tech Policy Conference (Euractiv)

4 June: Summer Summit 2025 (Digital Europe)

4 June: Webinar on Transforming Audience Engagement with AI (IAB Europe)

10 June: Towards a simpler Single Market (European Commission)

10 June: Next political trilogue on the Green Claims Directive

12 June: Retail Media Certification Virtual Townhall (IAB Europe)