Last week, Coreper adopted the Digital Omnibus, a text championed by Minister Clarinval in intra-Belgian discussions. This text aims to simplify and make European digital rules more coherent. In practice, for users, this means fewer banners and clicks: no more accepting or rejecting cookies on every site, with simpler choices on the use of their data. For businesses, the Omnibus provides for less paperwork, less duplication in reporting, and simpler, more coherent digital rules across Europe. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval welcomes this, as the initiative responds to a call for simplification from businesses and also eases everyday life for users.
Presented by the European Commission on 19 November 2025, the Digital Omnibus brings together several existing texts, such as the GDPR, cookie rules, the Data Act and cybersecurity incident reporting, in order to reduce overlaps and administrative burden.
Two strands moving at different speeds
The Digital Omnibus consists of two strands, which are progressing at different speeds.
The strand devoted to artificial intelligence is complete. The European Parliament approved it on 16 June 2026 and the Council adopted it on 29 June 2026. The text entered into force on 27 July 2026. It postpones the deadlines applicable to high-risk AI systems and eases the implementation obligations of the AI Act, particularly for SMEs.
The “data” strand is still under negotiation. After the Commission, the Council has settled its position, with Minister Clarinval's support. The European Parliament is now working on its own. Trilogues between the three institutions can then begin, leading to a final text. Final adoption is not expected before 2027.
David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture: “With the Digital Omnibus, we're killing two birds with one stone: users will no longer have to accept or reject cookies on every site, and that's also very good news for businesses, which will see their paperwork reduced. Belgium supports simplification, which in fact holds an important place in the government agreement. This simplification concretely eases everyday life for our businesses and citizens. In Europe and in our country, I will continue to simplify the regulatory framework, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen competitiveness.”
Several Omnibuses under discussion
Two other omnibuses are currently under discussion. Omnibus XI concerns European direct taxation: without changing tax rates, it seeks to reduce compliance costs and tax obstacles to cross-border activities. Omnibus XII aims to simplify and digitise rules on energy labelling of products and tyre labelling. Belgium is also calling for the Commission to present an Omnibus dedicated to simplifying permit procedures.
Since February 2025, the Commission has tabled XII Omnibus simplification wagons, which often cover the simplification of several pieces of regulation at once.
Of these twelve initiatives, nine have so far received a Council mandate, and Belgium voted in favour of 7 of these mandates.