Dispatch from Brussels: Updates on EU tech policy

EU Commission seeks experts for AI Scientific Panel: The EU Commission is setting up a scientific panel of independent experts to support implementation and enforcement of the AI Act. The Panel wihcih will focus on GPAI models and systems will advise the EU AI Office and national authorities on systemic risks, model classification, evaluating methodologies and cross-border market surveillance. Interested candidates can apply until 14 September. While 80% of experts must be from EU or EFTA Member States, EU citizenship is not a requirement for applying.

Simplification

European Parliament President letter endorsing withdrawal of legislation: On 16 June, European Parliament President Metsola sent a letter to EU Commission President indicating a general agreement to the Commission’s proposed withdrawal of thirty-seven pending legislative proposals. Though it is worth pointing out that Metsola also forwarded a letter by the Parliament’s next-most senior body (conference of committee chairs) asking for four proposals to be put back on the table: AI liability, anti-discrimination, and airport slot rules. The two letters reflect the current situation of European Parliament which stands divided on its position.

Digital simplification package timeline: The EU’s upcoming Digital Package meant to include amendments that would address major laws such as the EU’s AI act and GDPR is expected to be presented on 10 December. The Digital Package will also include the review of the Cybersecurity Act, the Digital Networks Act, and the European Business Wallet. The Cloud and AI development act proposal is expected to be published shortly after.

Data

GDPR procedural rules: On 16 June, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament announced a provisional agreement on GDPR Procedural Regulation. As a reminder, the procedural regulation aims to supplement the GDPR by harmonising procedural rules that apply when an investigation by a data protection authority involves processing activities affecting individuals in more than one EU Member State.

State of the Digital Decade

EU published “State of the Digital Decade 2025” report: On 16 June, the State of the Digital Decade 2025 report was published. It evaluates the progress of the EU’s digital transformation towards achieving the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 goals (which includes things like 5G coverage, AI, semiconductors, digital skills etc.). The report finds that while efforts have been made, there is need for further public and private intervention and investment to enhance the EU's technological capacity, ensuring better infrastructure and digital skills development.

Platforms  

Protecting minors online: EU ministers within the context of a Council meeting agreed to push for measures that would “ensure that children and adolescents can use digital tools in a safe and healthy way, without risking their mental health”. Within the conclusions, they also recurringly call on the EU Commission and Member States to consider/elaborate “accurate, reliable, robust and privacy-preserving age verification processes where appropriate, proportionate and applicable”. This latest development, while not binding in nature, adds further pressure on the EU Commission to come up with a legislative response to protecting minors online and perhaps mandating age verification

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