Resources

Go back

Digital Omnibus (GDPR) Negotiations at the European Parliament – October 2026 Update

The European Parliament’s work on the Digital Omnibus continued during September in the joint committee (ITRE/LIBE). The focus is on the report of the co-rapporteurs and the amendments tabled by individual MEPs. The co-rapporteurs are working with the political groups’ shadow rapporteurs to organise the amendments and establish the varying political positions.

Once the amendments are organised by article or issue, technical and political discussions will follow and then compromise amendments will emerge. Where compromise cannot be achieved, the amendments may be voted on individually in committee. However, depending on how the Council finalises its negotiating position, this could influence the political trade-offs in the joint committee.

This work will continue through the remainder of 2026. The hope is that the joint committee report can be agreed in early 2027, but this is looking optimistic given the divergent positions that exist and an MEP close to the discussions only this week suggested that it could be as late as Q2, 2027. As the co-rapporteurs were unable to agree on key issues such as the definition of personal data, legitimate interest for AI training, and how to treat the definition of scientific research, compromise still appears distant. The various further amendments tabled also show opposing positions between the political groups on these matters, along with varying views being expressed within the political groups. Representatives from interest groups continue to meet with the rapporteurs and other committee members to express views on the Digital Omnibus.

Privacy Next will continue to follow developments closely.

15 October, 2026