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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.

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.

European Central Bank Report Highlights Stable Inflation and Economic Outlook

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
October 29, 2025

Overview Of Inflation Trends

The latest European Central Bank survey shows a slight decline in median inflation expectations over the next 12 months, decreasing from 2.8% in August to 2.7% in September. Despite this minor adjustment, consumer perceptions of past 12-month inflation have held steady at 3.1% for the eighth consecutive month. Long-term projections for three- and five-year inflation remain stable at 2.5% and 2.2% respectively.

Consumer Expectations Drive Income And Spending Projections

Across the board, expectations for nominal income growth over the upcoming year have remained consistent at 1.1%. However, there is a noticeable shift in spending behavior: while perceived nominal spending growth for the past year slipped slightly to 4.9% from 5.0%, expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months rose to 3.5%. Notably, lower income groups continue to forecast marginally higher spending increases compared to their higher income counterparts.

Stability In Economic And Labour Market Outlook

Economic growth expectations are modestly pessimistic, with respondents forecasting a contraction of -1.2% over the next 12 months. Concurrently, anticipated unemployment levels remain unchanged at 10.7% a year ahead, though the outlook varies by income, with lower income households expecting unemployment rates as high as 12.7%, while higher income groups maintain expectations around 9.4%. Overall, the slight difference between current and future unemployment suggests a broadly stable labor market outlook.

Housing Market And Credit Conditions

The survey also reveals an upswing in expectations related to the housing market. Home price growth expectations have edged higher to 3.5%, and anticipated mortgage interest rates have risen modestly to 4.6%. Similar to other metrics, expectations vary by income, with lower income households expecting higher mortgage rates. In recent months, a marginal decline in reported credit tightening over the past 12 months contrasts with a renewed forecast of tighter credit conditions in the forthcoming year.

Conclusion

The ECB’s latest findings underscore the delicate balance between stable long-term economic forecasts and short-term adjustments in consumer expectations. The slight dips in inflation expectations, alongside stable perceptions of past inflation, delineate a marketplace that is both cautious and measured. As income, spending, and housing market metrics continue to evolve, these indicators provide critical insights for policymakers and investors navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape.

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