Donald Trump’s presidency could reshape the European tech landscape, potentially leading to deregulation and a reevaluation of antitrust actions against major companies. While there are hopes for collaboration, concerns about transatlantic relations persist, especially regarding the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council. European leaders emphasize the need for technological sovereignty and increased investment to remain competitive against the U.S. and China, with initiatives from figures like Emmanuel Macron aiming for a more unified Europe in technology sectors.
The Potential Impact of Trump’s Presidency on European Tech
Could the election of Donald Trump signal a new era for the European tech industry? By possibly supporting the Republican candidate or at least stepping back from the usual Democratic alliances, Silicon Valley is keenly anticipating a return on their investments.
Once he assumes office in January, Trump is expected to dismantle several regulations established by his predecessor. His agenda includes substantial deregulation in the tech sector to foster innovation in areas like artificial intelligence, alongside liberalizing the cryptocurrency marketplace.
Challenges to Transatlantic Cooperation
Trump may also suspend or halt the antitrust investigations that were initiated against major tech companies under the Biden administration. Furthermore, he might advocate for GAFAM, urging the European Union to reconsider or even revoke the hefty fines recently levied against tech giants like Google and Apple.
Elon Musk, now seen as an ally of Trump, finds himself under scrutiny from European regulators. His social media platform, X, faced allegations of breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA) this past summer.
These dynamics could disrupt transatlantic cooperation, particularly as the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council (TTC) may struggle to endure during a potential second Trump term. The TTC, established in 2021, was designed to mend relations after the tensions of Trump’s first presidency, helping the EU and the U.S. develop a united vision on advanced technologies like 6G.
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General of DigitalEurope, expresses hope that “President Trump will opt for cooperation over conflict” with America’s closest allies. She advocates for enhanced collaboration in critical areas such as cybersecurity, AI, and 6G.
Nonetheless, Bonefeld-Dahl remains cautious, viewing this election as a wake-up call for Europe to bolster its resilience and autonomy. With the U.S. leading many vital technologies, including cloud computing and AI, a Trump victory might amplify the need for Europe to assert its technological sovereignty.
Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary General of the European Digital SME Alliance, underscores the urgency of addressing Europe’s reliance on American digital infrastructure. In a recent LinkedIn post, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing technological sovereignty.
The Draghi report is gaining traction as a key reference point. It advocates for an annual investment boost of €800 billion to ensure Europe remains competitive against the U.S. and China. This report is likely to be a hot topic at the European Political Community summit currently underway in Budapest.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to champion an “investment shock” in crucial sectors like AI. In a message on X, he declared that he and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will strive for a more united and sovereign Europe in this evolving context while collaborating with the U.S. to safeguard shared interests and values.