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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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EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.