The impending rollout of the EU’s omnibus bill, designed to streamline bureaucratic processes, is facing sharp criticism from within the European Parliament, raising concerns about a potential erosion of fundamental rights and a compromised approach to data protection. Alexandra Geese, Vice-Chair of the Greens-EFA group in the European Parliament, has issued a stark warning against what she perceives as a softening of regulations that could ultimately undermine democratic standards.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Geese voiced skepticism regarding the bill’s purported aim of fostering innovation, arguing that sacrificing core principles would prove counterproductive. “We will not develop competitive AI if we lower our democratic standards” she stated, emphasizing the critical link between technological progress and the preservation of civil liberties.
A key point of contention lies within the initial draft of the omnibus bill, which reportedly contains provisions that could weaken citizens’ ability to control the use of their personal data. Geese specifically flagged the potential for sensitive information, including health records, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and residential addresses, to be traded by opaque data brokers without adequate consent or oversight. This, she argues, poses a direct threat to individual freedom without contributing meaningfully to genuine innovation.
The European Commission is scheduled to unveil its roadmap for simplifying the complex web of EU digital laws this Wednesday. However, Geese’s critique injects a note of caution amidst the anticipated streamlining, highlighting the inherent tension between regulatory simplification and the vital need to safeguard fundamental rights in an increasingly data-driven world. Analysts suggest the Greens’ stance signals a potential political challenge to the Commission’s proposal, demanding a more robust commitment to privacy and transparency. The debate underscores a growing concern that the urgency to foster a competitive digital economy should not come at the expense of core European values.
