Tech leader from EU under scrutiny for failing to address Trump's digital menaces
The European Commission's Tech Commissioner, Henna Virkkunen, is under pressure to respond more forcefully to threats from US President Donald Trump. The tension stems from Trump's remarks about imposing tariffs on countries whose technology regulation affects American companies.
Laura Ballarin, an EU lawmaker, has been vocal in her criticism of Virkkunen's perceived silence on the matter. She stated that the EU needs to speak out loudly and assert itself in negotiations with the United States. Leila Chaibi, another EU lawmaker, echoed these sentiments, finding it unbearable that Virkkunen is seemingly invisible in the face of these threats.
Thierry Breton, former Tech Commissioner, added his voice to the chorus, publishing an op-ed in The Guardian on Thursday questioning the tolerance of EU citizens towards threats from the US President. He also asked if the latest assault on EU digital laws would be enough to wake up EU citizens.
Teresa Ribera, the EU Commissioner in charge of competition policy, called on the bloc to be "courageous" in response to threats from the US president. She emphasised that the EU cannot accept whatever demands are made by a third country.
Alex Agius Saliba, another EU lawmaker, highlighted the importance of speaking out in public to defend the bloc's digital rules as part of Virkkunen's role. He also reiterated that Europe cannot bow down even further to the Americans.
Dóra Dávid, another EU lawmaker, defended the Commission's approach, stating that they are managing the volatile situation in a calm and measured way, while firmly rejecting any notion that EU member states would under duress give up their sovereign right to regulate.
Virkkunen has previously defended the EU's tech legislation, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), stating that they are fair and not a censorship tool. She also travelled to the US in May to explain the bloc's policy after ongoing criticism from the US administration.
In response to the criticism, a Commission spokesperson defended Virkkunen, stating that she will fight back against all unfounded claims. Breton, who was invited by the US House of Judiciary Committee to attend a hearing on "Europe's threat to American speech and innovation" next Wednesday, has stated that he will reject the invitation.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Virkkunen will respond to the mounting pressure to speak out more forcefully against Trump's threats.
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