The European Commission is aiming to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty through a comprehensive package of measures. Its approach is deliberately indirect: Rather than resorting to strict market protectionism, Brussels is focusing on standards, demand-side policies and open-source solutions.
By Corinna Visser
To meet the challenge posed by China, Germany is now copying Chinese industrial policy – and doing so on the backs of Europe’s working classes, writes Ingar Solty of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. In the process, the term “China shock” draws the dividing lines in the wrong place.
By Ingar Solty
The Commission’s plans carry the risk that companies will seek out the most favorable regulatory environment in Europe – for example, by establishing their headquarters in countries with lower labor and social standards. Also, according to Livia Hentschel-Wark and Katrin Vitols from the German Trade Union Confederation, there are risks of abuse due to greatly simplified incorporation procedures.
By Livia Hentschel-Wark and Katrin Vitols
The licenses for the 2 GHz frequency band for mobile satellite services will expire in May 2027. The Commission wants to ensure that European providers have a chance to participate.
By Corinna Visser
Germany, the Netherlands and six other countries are calling for changes to EU state aid rules to provide greater support for startups. They believe the current regulations are inadequate.
By Till Hoppe
The Cyprus Council Presidency is aiming to reach a partial compromise on the Industrial Accelerator Act by the end of June. In addition to carbon targets for steel and cement, other points of contention also remain.
By Manuel Berkel
Rare earths, unfair competition, EU trade-defense instruments: In Beijing, Katherina Reiche raised the central points of friction with China. But her visit also showed that Berlin still lacks a clear strategy.
By Jörn Petring
The package is now scheduled to be presented on June 3. Before then there is still a need for internal coordination between the directorates-general. Henna Virkkunen would like to have the package ready before the Telecommunications Council meets.
By Corinna Visser
The European Commission and private investors are jointly launching Europe’s largest venture capital fund. The fund will now be managed by a Swedish private equity firm.
By Silke Wettach
According to government sources, Germany had hoped for more improvements. Nevertheless, it intends to approve the trilogue outcome in the Coreper committee.
By Corinna Visser
