Greens/EFA MEPs warn Digital Omnibus could weaken core EU tech regulations
In a letter to the European Commission, Greens/EFA MEPs express concern that the upcoming Digital Omnibus could dilute the EU’s existing digital regulatory framework. They argue that proposed changes risk undermining key laws such as the AI Act, GDPR, the Data Act, and Data Governance Act, and could work against Europe’s stated goal of digital sovereignty.
A group of Greens/EFA Members of the European Parliament has warned the European Commission that the forthcoming Digital Omnibus risks weakening the EU’s core digital regulations. In a letter addressed to the Commission President and the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, the signatories argue that the initiative appears to go beyond technical simplification and instead reopens several major laws. They state that this approach could undermine efforts to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy. Letter – Digital omnibus
The letter criticises leaked elements of the proposal related to the AI Act. The MEPs argue that the proposed changes would remove transparency requirements, reduce accountability, and eliminate provisions on AI literacy. They also raise concerns about adjustments to rules on energy use, sustainability standards, and impact assessments of fundamental rights. In their view, these changes could weaken enforcement and slow progress on standardisation for high-risk AI systems.
The MEPs also object to potential changes to the GDPR. They say the proposed carve-out in the definition of personal data would allow data brokers to claim that certain data sets fall outside the scope of the regulation. The letter also warns that changes to rules on terminal equipment could permit tracking cookies without user consent, representing a departure from current protections in the ePrivacy Directive.
Concerns are also raised about potential revisions to the Data Act and Data Governance Act. The letter describes the Data Act as a balanced framework that has only recently entered into force. The MEPs argue that reopening it in a one-sided way would be a strategic mistake. They argue that making data intermediation services voluntary would favour large platforms and increase customer lock-in, thereby weakening the position of EU companies in emerging data markets.
The signatories argue that prioritising deregulation in the name of competitiveness risks increasing dependence on non-EU technology providers. They state that removing safeguards in areas such as cybersecurity, AI, and data governance could make it harder for European companies to grow and could undermine the objectives of initiatives like the European Democracy Shield.
Instead of deregulation, the MEPs call for a genuine simplification effort focused on streamlining requirements, clarifying overlaps, and improving enforcement. They note that unresolved issues that motivated legislation, such as the Data Act and NIS2, remain relevant, including cybersecurity risks and market imbalances.
In closing, the letter urges the Commission to reconsider its approach to the Digital Omnibus. The MEPs warn that altering foundational laws could have negative consequences for EU sovereignty and democratic resilience, and call for a more cautious review process.
