Thierry Breton, former European Commissioner for the Internal Market, has urged Europe to safeguard its digital sovereignty and reinforce unity amid challenges posed by global tech giants and geopolitical forces.
Speaking with Agenda Pública on January 19, Breton stressed that Europe must remain cohesive to maintain its negotiating power on the global stage.
“If Elon Musk chooses to express himself through X, he must ensure that it complies with European law,” Breton remarked, emphasizing the influence tech platforms wield through their powerful algorithms. These systems, he warned, amplify and spread messages at an unprecedented scale. Breton clarified that the Digital Services Act (DSA) isn’t about stifling free speech but ensuring platforms don’t facilitate harmful content, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups like children.
Breton also addressed the broader ambitions of Elon Musk, highlighting his involvement in satellite communications through Starlink. “Elon Musk is not just about social media; his interests in satellite communications are part of a larger strategy. We must be vigilant about any actions that could lead to fragmentation within Europe,” he cautioned.
Drawing a comparison with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Breton noted: “Meta has understood the philosophy of the DSA and is adapting. Musk has yet to fully demonstrate that he will do the same.”
On the geopolitical front, Breton warned against external pressures seeking to divide Europe. “Let’s not be naive—some global powers prefer a fragmented Europe because it weakens our ability to act decisively. Our best defense is to strengthen and promote our unity,” he stated. Breton stressed that Europe’s unity is essential for protecting its democratic values, which he believes are under attack precisely because they work. “Europe has the oldest democracy in the world, and it is under attack because it works. We must protect it at all costs,” he asserted.
Breton passionately advocated for a united front in cybersecurity, space, air, and maritime defense. “No single country can face the challenges of cybersecurity, space, air defense, and maritime defense alone,” he said, praising collaborative initiatives like the Galileo satellite system as symbols of European innovation and autonomy. Similarly, he highlighted the EC-funded IRIS Artificial Intelligence project as vital to securing Europe’s technological infrastructure.
Reflecting on past challenges in competing with global tech giants like Google and Facebook, Breton pointed to fragmented markets as a major hurdle. “We used to have 27 separate digital markets, and that held us back,” he explained. However, with frameworks like the DSA and the AI Act, Breton expressed confidence that Europe is now better positioned to compete globally while upholding its values. “We are creating a fair playing field where innovation can thrive without compromising our values,” he added.
Looking to the future, Breton issued both a warning and a call to action: “To truly benefit from alliances like the one with the United States, we must stand as equals. A weak Europe cannot expect respect or influence.” He encouraged Europeans to remember that their unity is their greatest strength, declaring, “A stronger Europe means better opportunities for its citizens, better security for its democracy, and better partnerships with its allies.”
Breton’s rallying cry underscores the need for Europe to take a stand, both defensively and offensively, to safeguard its digital sovereignty and ensure its role as a global leader.
