In a striking address, Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck expressed urgent concerns regarding the influence of American tech giants, particularly targeting Elon Musk, during a televised Q&A session ahead of Sunday’s national elections. Habeck called for the European Union to reduce its dependency on what he termed “tech oligarchs,” warning that their dominance poses a threat to democratic values in Europe.
Habeck remarked, “The most powerful man in the world — the U.S. president [Donald Trump] — and the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, have teamed up to eliminate boundaries on power. That cannot be in our interest.” He emphasized that Musk’s substantial involvement with the Trump administration exemplifies a troubling intertwining of wealth and influence that undermines democratic principles.
Calls for regulation and European alternatives
Highlighting the hypocrisy of the narratives espoused by U.S. tech companies, Habeck criticized their proclaimed commitment to “free speech.” He argued that while they advocate for open dialogue, their business models and algorithms remain closely guarded, likening them to “state secrets.” He asserted, “They must be regulated. If necessary, regulated in a way that aligns with our values.”
Despite his call for regulation, Habeck expressed skepticism regarding the EU’s current ability to effectively implement such measures. He questioned, “Why don’t we have a German or European communication platform of our own?” He further stated that Europe should not depend on Chinese algorithms or Musk’s controversial ideologies in shaping its democracy.
Urgency for action and potential EU strategies
Habeck advocated for Europe to reclaim its digital landscape, not only in social media but across various sectors where it has fallen behind in technological leadership. He warned that prompt action is essential, with a two-year timeline to enact significant changes.
His comments reflect a broader anxiety within Brussels regarding the overpowering influence of Big Tech. In parallel, Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky has proposed an even more radical strategy: suggesting that the EU should consider acquiring existing platforms instead of attempting to create new ones. In a policy memo, Lagodinsky asserted that Europe must take decisive action to regain control, potentially including the acquisition of TikTok’s European operations or other significant platforms.
“The democratic and geopolitical risks of foreign-controlled social media are too great,” Lagodinsky wrote. “If we want real digital sovereignty, we must regulate, invest, and acquire.”
With these developments, it is clear that the dialogue surrounding digital sovereignty and the influence of tech giants in Europe is becoming increasingly critical.