AIG Newsletter 21 April 2025

NEWS

In this week's edition: Commissioner Virkkunen exchanges views with IMCO. An EC representative announces upcoming DSA Article 28 Guidelines during an IMCO hearing on the protection of minors online. Commissioner McGrath discusses GDPR simplification for SMEs with IMCO. ENVI exchanges views with Commissioner Roswall on green matters. IMCO adopts draft resolution addressing Single Market challenges while JURI raises concerns over the withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive with Commissioner Virkkunen. IMCO Member David Cormand MEP proposes assessing a potential ban on fast-fashion advertising. Lastly, ZAW contests WHO draft proposal to ban digital communications concerning breast-milk substitutes.

IMCO EXCHANGES VIEWS WITH COMMISSIONER VIRKKUNEN

In a discussion with IMCO on 7 April, Commissioner Virkkunen emphasised placing security and competitiveness at the core of EU initiatives through developing a Single Market Strategy aimed at reducing third-country dependencies. Virkkunen highlighted Europe's potential to lead globally in AI, noting the European AI Action Plan. Regarding the DSA, she stressed the focus on protecting minors, whilst MEPs called for enhanced measures such as age verification and swift proceedings against non-compliant platforms.

IMCO HOSTS HEARING ON ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION

During a hearing on 7 April, hosted by IMCO on the protection of minors online, several committee members called for a ban on approaches exploiting children's vulnerabilities, noting a link between social media use and rising mental health issues. The EC representative announced forthcoming DSA Article 28 guidelines aimed at establishing a consistent single market approach to prevent fragmentation across the EU.

COMMISSIONER MCGRATH TALKS GDPR SIMPLIFICATION

During a structured dialogue with IMCO on 8 April, Commissioner McGrath outlined his consumer protection priorities centred on digital fairness, rule enforcement and introduced the forthcoming Consumer Agenda 2025-2030. He announced the upcoming Digital Fairness Act will address consumer protection gaps and discussed GDPR simplification for SMEs, and protection of minors online. Simultaneously, he emphasised the need for swift enforcement, better coordination and a balanced approach to consumer rights and digital protections.

COMMISSIONER ROSWALL DISCUSSES GREEN MATTERS

On 8 April, ENVI engaged with Commissioner Roswall in a structured dialogue where she emphasised the compatibility of environmental protection and economic competitiveness. Roswall outlined water management and circular economy legislation as priorities, while stressing the importance of reducing administrative burdens and promoting clean industrial innovation. MEPs expressed concerns about the green claims directive. 

IMCO LOOKS TO TACKLE INTERNAL MARKET CHALLENGES

On 8 April, IMCO adopted an oral question and draft resolution addressing ongoing challenges in the EU internal market, which will be presented at the 5-8 May plenary session. The resolution questions how the DMA and DSA impact the dynamics of new commercial practices within the Single Market, and what steps should be taken to further strengthen consumer protection online, while ensuring simplification and coherence in EU digital legislation. Importantly, the draft resolution proposes a series of actions relating to the AI Act and recommendations for the scope of the upcoming Digital Fairness Act. 

EP JURI DISCUSSES AI CONTINENT PLAN & WITHDRAWALS

On 9 April, JURI discussed the AI Continent Action Plan with Commissioner Virkkunen, which aims to boost European AI competitiveness. MEPs expressed concern over the EC's withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive. The debate also addressed media freedom, the democratisation of technology, and AI's societal impacts, with the Commissioner asserting that simplification of regulations is necessary before introducing new legislation.

IMCO MEMBER SEEKS FAST-FASHION ADVERTISING BAN

The draft report by MEP David Cormand on creating a new legislative framework for products aligned with digital and sustainable transitions proposes an assessment of the feasibility and proportionality of banning fast fashion advertising across all platforms, including social media and influencer marketing. The report suggests that national measures like France's fast fashion legislation could serve as models for coordinated EU action to address unsustainable consumption patterns. The report is scheduled for plenary discussion on 8 September.

ZAW CONTESTS WHO BABY FORMULA AD BAN PROPOSAL

ZAW has released a position paper in response to the WHO draft resolution which seeks to ban digital communication concerning breast-milk substitutes to both parents and medical staff. ZAW believes this would infringe upon companies' freedom of communication, and hinders innovation. This draft resolution is to be adopted at the 78th WHO Assembly from 19-27 May.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

23 April: EP ENVI and LIBE Meetings 

23 April: IP and Artificial Intelligence - advanced (The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency)

24 April: Second Trilogue on the Green Claims Directive

24 April: EP ITRE Meeting

24 April: Impact of AI on Media and Creative Industries Conference(The Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage)

28 April: Workshop on defining best practices for systemic risk evaluations (EU AI Office)

28 April: Informal meeting of environment ministers takes place

28 April: The future is data conference(The Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs)

28 April: EP IMCO Meeting

30 April: The Great Debate Retail Media H1 2025(IAB Europe)

30 April: Protecting Consumers in the Digital Age (The Institute for International and European Affairs)

21 May: Announcement of the fourth Omnibus Simplification Package on small-mid caps and the Single Market Strategy