DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the results of the European Union elections over the weekend and how they may impact tech policy in the region. POLITICO's Clotilde Goujard explains that while there was a slight shift to the right with the rise of far-right parties, the center-left and center-right parties still hold a strong majority.
There were concerns about potential disinformation campaigns during the elections, but Goujard reports that no major incidents were detected. She attributes this to the EU's preparedness and new regulations like GDPR and the Digital Services Act, which make it harder for misinformation to spread online.
The episode also explores what the election results could mean for tech regulation and enforcement in the EU. While Ursula von der Leyen is likely to continue as European Commission President, she may need to form a broader coalition. There is also uncertainty around key roles that will influence tech policy, and the interviewee suggests the transatlantic relationship on tech may depend on the outcome of the next US election.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The EU elections resulted in a slight shift to the right, but the center-left and center-right parties maintained a strong majority.
- No major disinformation campaigns were detected during the elections, likely due to the EU's preparedness and new regulations like GDPR and the Digital Services Act.
- There is uncertainty around key leadership roles that will influence tech policy and enforcement in the EU, such as the European Commission President and Executive Vice President.
- The far-right parties in the new EU Parliament may push back against content moderation efforts and further tech regulation.
- There is a growing push in the EU to promote innovation and growth of European tech companies, in addition to regulation.
- The transatlantic relationship on tech policy may be influenced by the outcome of the next US election and the potential for a shift in the US administration's approach.
- The European Commission holds more power than the European Parliament in shaping tech policy and bilateral relationships, including data flow agreements and major tech laws like the DSA and DMA.
- Enforcement of tech regulation and investigations into companies like Meta and Google are expected to proceed as planned, but the strength and commitment of new leadership will be closely watched.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “These far right politicians have regularly, repeatedly accused the commission of trying to censor speech online. So it's very likely that they will keep on pressuring the commission and have a louder voice in doing so in the coming years. And they could also try their best to limit any potential further action in that field.“ by Clotilde Goujard
- “There is a broader push to change a little bit footing in Europe and going from regulating a lot to making sure that the industry and tech companies in Europe can also innovate and become big players.“ by Clotilde Goujard
- “So the thing, the key thing to watch for is who will become the next executive vice president. Margaret Vishtagr, who's been seen as the competition chief of the EU. Will there be someone as strong and as committed as she was?“ by Clotilde Goujard
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Episode Information
POLITICO Tech
POLITICO
6/11/24