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EU Denies Softening Its Approach To US Tech Giants Amid Trump Administration Threats

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 20, 2025

The European Commission has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to ease its stance on US tech giants, despite potential retaliatory actions from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. EU Commissioner for Digital and New Technologies, Henna Virkunen, emphasized in an interview with CNBC that the EU would continue to enforce its technology regulations firmly.

Key Developments

Virkunen confirmed that the European Commission would maintain its current regulatory course and ensure strict enforcement across the technology sector, regardless of political developments in the US.
As a new appointee under Ursula von der Leyen, Virkunen’s comments underline the EU’s commitment to holding major tech companies accountable, including through antitrust scrutiny.
The EU has led the charge in tech regulation, launching a series of legislative measures such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), designed to increase oversight of the tech industry.

When asked about the potential influence of Donald Trump’s administration on the EU’s policies, Virkunen made it clear that the EU’s position is rooted in a “very clear legal basis for regulation.” She added that all companies—whether based in the US, Europe, or China—must adhere to EU laws.

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The Digital Services Act: A Key Tool For Regulation

Virkunen noted that the Digital Services Act (DSA), which fully comes into effect in 2024, grants the EU significant powers to regulate the operations of large tech platforms. This includes addressing illegal activities, and harmful content, and tackling online disinformation.

Currently, Meta, Instagram, X, and TikTok are facing ongoing investigations as part of formal proceedings under the DSA. Virkunen emphasized that no new decisions or changes have been made yet regarding the investigations, signalling the EU’s resolve to proceed with its regulatory agenda.

Meta’s Moves And The EU’s Regulatory Stance

The possibility of a shift in the EU’s approach gained attention following Meta’s announcement that it would discontinue its fact-checking programs in the United States for its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The timing is notable, coming just after Meta brought key figures from Donald Trump’s circle into its leadership. However, it remains unclear whether this change will impact fact-checking operations in the EU, which could face separate scrutiny under the Digital Services Act.

Rumours Of A Softer Stance And Potential Economic Fallout

The Financial Times recently reported that the European Commission might reconsider its aggressive stance toward US tech companies. This includes a possible reduction or modification of investigations and potential fines under the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. According to the report, a review of these cases could lead to freezing decisions and delaying penalties until the process concludes.

Concerns over retaliation from the US have circulated within the EU, especially considering Trump’s past threats to impose higher tariffs on European goods. There are growing fears that a tough approach toward US tech giants could provoke trade tensions and disrupt EU economic growth. The stakes are particularly high in areas such as artificial intelligence regulation, where the US and EU are competing for global leadership.

Despite these pressures, Virkunen and the European Commission have made it clear that they will not back down on their commitment to holding tech companies accountable for their actions within the EU.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.