Who she is, and how her role works

A Finnish politician and former MEP, Virkkunen has served in the current Commission since 1 December 2024 (mandate 2024–2029). As an Executive Vice President, she coordinates across portfolios, working, among others, with Commissioners for Defence and Space, Home Affairs and Migration, Democracy and Rule of Law, and Start-ups, Research, and Technology. Joint files include AI in cultural and creative industries and a cybersecurity action plan for hospitals.

The hearing in Rome

The hearing coincided with the Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law cycle. The Italy chapter registers some progress on digitalising criminal justice and on conflict-of-interest legislation, but limited progress on comprehensive lobbying rules and on a functional public register with a legislative footprint. Persistent bottlenecks include slow, uneven digital tools in criminal courts and prosecutor offices (platform performance, access to files, equipment, connectivity, staff training). Italy remains among the last in the EU for end-to-end digital tools in criminal proceedings, despite PNRR investments.

Asked what the EU is doing to safeguard democracy in the digital sphere, Virkkunen highlighted two planks:

  1. Media literacy and digital skills
    “We need to invest in the media literacy and digital skills of our citizens. In today’s world, it’s essential that people can think critically and analyse the information they see online.”
  2. Clear rules for platforms
    “We have very clear rules in the European Union: what is illegal offline is also illegal online. We want to ensure a safe, fair and democratic environment. That’s why we are enforcing our digital services law, making sure platforms take responsibility, don’t spread disinformation, and assess the risks their services pose.”

These priorities mirror the workstreams outlined in the dossiers above — DSA enforcement, risk assessments for systemic platforms, and skills initiatives under the Digital Decade.

To find out more, click here to read the report or watch the video here.

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