The European Commission’s ongoing enforcement actions against US tech giants like Google and X (formerly Twitter) are a necessary assertion of European legal sovereignty, according to Andreas Schwab, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and member of the European People’s Party (EPP). Speaking to German broadcaster ARD, Schwab defended the Commission’s approach, emphasizing the need for the EU to robustly enforce its laws, regardless of the size or origin of the companies involved.
Schwab acknowledged that the Commission has taken time in pursuing these cases, suggesting a deliberate strategy of selecting opportune moments for intervention. He stated that the recent penalties levied against X serve as a stark reminder that accountability is inevitable for platforms operating within Europe. He stressed that the actions are not targeted at individual figures, like Elon Musk, but are a direct response to the concerning lack of transparency surrounding the platform’s operations and its purported impact on freedom of expression within the EU.
The MEP also championed the implementation of expedited legal procedures, arguing that these accelerate the imposition of penalties for companies failing to comply with European law. He posited that a quicker turnaround benefits users by ensuring prompt consequences for non-compliance.
Crucially, Schwab sought to dispel the narrative of a conflict between Europe and the United States. He clarified that the enforcement actions extend beyond just the headline-grabbing tech conglomerates, highlighting the broader investment interests of US firms across the European market. He asserted that the Commission’s actions are not a trade war, but a measured effort to ensure a level playing field and protect European citizens and their fundamental rights under EU law – a stance likely to fuel the ongoing debate regarding data sovereignty and regulatory power in the digital age.
