Fri Sep 20 11:40:57 UTC 2024: ## EU Tech Scene: From Sovereignty to AI and Hyperloop Ambitions

**Brussels, September 21, 2023** – The incoming European Commission is facing a complex and fragmented tech landscape, with a hefty agenda of 30 acts and initiatives aimed at achieving tech sovereignty and bolstering Europe’s digital competitiveness.

**New Tech Sovereignty Lead:** Henna Virkkunen (Finland) has been appointed as the European Commission’s new executive vice-president for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. This appointment signifies a shift in EU digital policy, with Virkkunen overseeing digitalization and infrastructure, deemed crucial for Europe’s global competitiveness.

**Fragmentation Concerns:** However, concerns are mounting over the potential fragmentation of tech policy within the EU, as the portfolio is distributed among seven different commissioners. Some MEPs fear this could hinder the development of a coherent digital strategy.

**Telecoms Deregulation Stalled:** Member states have shown resistance to the suggestions put forward by former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi to deregulate the telecom sector, raising questions about the future of telecom consolidation in the EU.

**AI Regulation on the Horizon:** The AI Liability Directive (AILD) is under review, with a European Parliament Research Service study recommending its expansion to include software liability regulation for general-purpose AI products. Additionally, the United Nations is pushing for an international scientific AI panel to manage the risks and benefits of AI development.

**Adult Industry Seeks Inclusion:** The Digital Intimacy Coalition has called on the European Commission for representation in upcoming AI policy discussions, as the adult industry feels excluded from current regulations focused on Big Tech.

**Big Tech Responds to Fragmentation:** Meta, along with 36 other companies, has expressed concern over fragmented EU regulations, warning of potential harm to innovation and competitiveness. The letter emphasizes the need for harmonized regulations to leverage the benefits of AI.

**International AI Collaborations:** The US and UK are hosting AI safety conferences in San Francisco, aimed at furthering collaboration on responsible AI development.

**Apple’s Tax Woes:** The European Court of Justice ruled that Apple must pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, prompting calls for stronger action against multinational tax avoidance practices.

**Hyperloop Ambition:** European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tasked her incoming transport commissioner with developing the hyperloop, highlighting the EU’s ambition to explore cutting-edge transportation technologies.

**EU’s Tech Strategy:** The upcoming European Parliament and Commission will face pressure to address critical issues such as market fragmentation, a lack of local tech IPOs, and the need for a more coordinated approach to achieving tech sovereignty.

**Other key developments:**

* The Commission has dropped its investigation into Microsoft’s hiring of Inflection AI staff.
* The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that Booking.com’s price parity clauses are not anti-competitive under EU law, despite Germany’s antitrust watchdog banning them.
* The EU is working to ensure Apple complies with the Digital Markets Act regarding interoperability.
* MEPs called for faster implementation of the Digital Services Act to protect users online, particularly children.
* Intel has paused its planned new factories in Germany and Poland, amid financial woes.
* The Council of Europe released guidelines to protect personal data during voter registration and authentication.
* The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressed concerns about social media and video streaming services’ data practices and urged stronger protections for users, particularly minors.

**The EU’s journey towards tech sovereignty and digital leadership is far from over. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Europe’s digital landscape.**

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