Europe would find increasingly heavy-handed pressure from the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency. This is an acute moment of truth for Europe in its long-term relationship with US mega-platforms. For the last six weeks, Europe has largely been silent. This is occurring even as Trump threatens to retaliate with unnecessary new significant tariffs if the continent dares to enforce its anti-trust laws against American firms running free in Europe. Why hasn’t this happened yet? It calls into question Europe’s determination to defend its democratic soul, to stand up against the hegemony of market forces and economic blackmail.
The European Commission has recently accepted a deal with Trump that solidified a permanent 15% tariff on EU exports to the US. Further, it committed to pouring more than $1 trillion into the US through military and energy buy-ins. Critics have lamented that these concessions sap Europe’s sovereignty, and thus its influence in the trade realm and in the ongoing digital geopolitical competition.
If Europe is serious about limiting the harmful practices of big digital companies, they must act quickly. Most assume these companies are making a big play in anti-competitive market rigging. Countries including Ireland and Italy have pressured the European Union to take a softer line towards these companies. This push has only strengthened the long-standing debate between these two camps. Advocates for a robust response contend that any leniency will further erode Europe’s ability to establish itself as a free and sovereign entity.
The broader implications of these dynamics go far beyond tariffs and trade agreements. The fragile situation today risks undermining the democratic principles that Europe has always espoused. During Trump’s presidency, the US lost interest in nudging European democracy to be stronger. Today, it’s imperative that Europe respond with equally courageous steps to protect its values.
The European Commission has a potential tool at its disposal: the anti-coercion instrument. This clause gives Europe the ability to retaliate against US economic blackmail. It could bar US goods and services from its market or retaliate against them with tariffs. Together, these measures can help provide a strong defense against the predatory political climate we face today. They expand Europe’s ability to project power and protect its own interests.
There’s an increasing appetite in Europe to address the impact of social media algorithms. These algorithms have the ability to erode democratic discourse. Advocates suggest shutting down “for you”-style recommendations, which promote content that users have not expressly requested, until they can be proven safe for democratic engagement on European soil.
The seriousness of the circumstance is of the highest order. With Trump’s administration having declared “an aggressive campaign against Western civilization itself,” Europe must respond not only to protect its economic interests but to safeguard its democratic ideals.
Brussels cannot allow a member state like Ireland to escape their responsibility for enforcing Europe’s digital enforcement on US firms. If Europe wants to remain resilient against third country influence, it has to take accountability. In doing so, it can help create a regulatory environment that focuses on a level playing field and fair competition.