Henna Virkkunen

Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy of the European Commission

Website: https://commission.europa.eu/about/organisation/college-commissioners/henna-virkkunen_en

Last Notes

2026-03-26 11:08:21 UTC

Keeping kids safe online is a top priority.
Today, the Commission has preliminarily found porn platforms Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos in breach of the Digital Services Act for allowing minors to access adult content.
We’ve also launched investigation into Snapchat under doubts that the platform has failed to adequately protect minors from harmful content, grooming, and illegal products like drugs and vapes. We also suspect that they have failed to verify users age sufficiently.
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2026-03-25 11:14:09 UTC

Today we introduced AGILE, our €115 million, 100% EU-funded pilot programme. Its mission is taking cutting-edge defence tech from the lab to the battlefield at record speed.
To stay ahead in modern warfare, Europe must innovate faster. Yet our SMEs & startups, face too many barriers and current programmes take too much time. It’s time to fix that.
How?
✔ 100% funding for roughly 20–30 projects
✔ Claim expenses retroactively
✔ 4-month turnaround
✔ Open to companies in the EU, EFTA and Ukraine
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2026-02-17 12:00:00 UTC

Today, we have launched an investigation into Shein under the #DSA.
The investigation concerns the platform’s potentially addictive design features, the lack of transparency around its recommender systems, and the sale of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material.
In the EU, illegal products are prohibited whether they are sold on a store shelf or through an online marketplace.
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2026-02-10 16:53:10 UTC

97% of young people in the EU use internet daily. Today, on Safer Internet Day, Europe takes a step forward in protecting and empowering young people online.
Together with Commissioner Glenn Micallef, we presented an Action Plan Against Cyberbullying aimed at giving children, parents, carers and educators the tools they need to prevent, report and combat cyberbullying.
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2026-02-09 14:54:12 UTC

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💪Happy to be here, showing my support for an open and decentralized internet! #DigitalSovereignty 🇪🇺

2026-02-09 14:52:48 UTC

Today in Leuven to inaugurate Europe’s largest #ChipsAct pilot line, NanoIC at IMEC. A milestone for EU semiconductor development and manufacturing.
This pilot line will enable the next gen of advanced semiconductor technologies essential for future tech and our competitiveness.
NanoIC will serve as a strategic European pilot line where researchers and companies can test and develop new chip designs and technologies.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/edBvwkYi
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2026-02-06 11:14:30 UTC

Today, the Commission has preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the DSA, for its addictive design.
This includes features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its highly personalised recommender system.
TikTok seems to fail to implement reasonable, proportionate and effective measures to mitigate risks stemming from its addictive design.
At this stage, the Commission considers that TikTok needs to change the basic design of its service.
🔗: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_312
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2026-01-27 10:32:00 UTC

We have started two sets of proceedings to assist Alphabet in complying with its obligations on AI services interoperability and online search data sharing under the DMA.
This will ensure more open and innovative AI and Search services to the benefit of consumers and businesses.
🔗 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_202
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2026-01-26 18:06:29 UTC

We designated today WhatsApp as Very Large Online Platform under the #DigitalServicesAct, as its ‘Channels’ feature reaches the designation threshold of at least 45 million users in the EU.
Learn more: https://link.europa.eu/YCP7VK
#dsa
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2026-01-26 11:14:27 UTC

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We have also extended our on-going investigation on X, to evaluate whether X diligently assessed and mitigated all systemic risks associated with its recommender systems.
🔗 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_203

2026-01-26 11:13:56 UTC

Creating fake, sexual images of women and children is a cruel and unacceptable form of abuse. We will not accept that.
Today, the European Commission has launched new investigation against X under the DSA. We have taken investigative steps and suspect that X has not properly assessed and mitigated risk on Grok´s functionalities. This includes the risk of spreading illegal content in the EU, like fake sexual images and child abuse material.
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2026-01-24 10:07:07 UTC

Today, on the International Day of Education, we are reminded that digital skills are essential for everyday life and for future-proof jobs.
Europeans are clear about this priority: 92% agree that digital skills should be taught to everyone, at all levels of education.
Learn more about the different EU initiatives to support and promote excellence in digital skills:
🔗https://link.europa.eu/rMg4dk
And check out the new "Future needs in digital education" report:
🔗https://link.europa.eu/JMtTcR
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2026-01-22 17:01:48 UTC

A packed day in the World Economic Forum in Davos focused on technology and security. 🇨🇭
Meetings with technology companies and investors, a panel on European tech sovereignty, and interviews with CNBC, the Financial Times, and Reuters.
Decision-makers must create stability now, not adding further uncertainty. It’s encouraging to see Europe attracting investment.
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2026-01-20 14:58:05 UTC

Today, we have decided to update the EU’s #cybersecurity rules, while keeping up with the fast-changing digital world.
✅Securing ICT supply chains
✅+ support to companies & EU countries
✅Stronger certification
✅Investing in skills
➡️& more
All for a safer digital Europe!
🔗 https://link.europa.eu/x8xnq9
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2026-01-17 19:54:22 UTC

Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
Joint statement by President von der Leyen and President Costa on Greenland: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_143

2026-01-17 19:20:34 UTC

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At a time of global uncertainty, Europe must diversify its partnerships, reduce dependencies, and stand firmly for open, fair and rules-based trade. This deal does exactly that — reinforcing Europe’s role as a reliable global partner and strengthening our economic resilience.

2026-01-17 19:19:44 UTC

After more than 25 years of negotiations, we have today signed the EU-Mercosur agreement.
We are strengthening our strategic partnership with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — building a shared market of nearly 700 million people.
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2026-01-15 14:59:23 UTC

Over €307 million in funding are now available for #AI and related technologies.
Two new calls have just been launched under the Horizon Europe Work Programme, mobilising €307.3M to strengthen Europe’s digital innovation & competitiveness.
Apply now: https://link.europa.eu/Fftyjc
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