Shifts in US-EU Tech Relations Under Trump’s Leadership
With Donald Trump set to return to the White House for a second term, tech experts believe the relationship between the United States and the European Union will change—but not in dramatic fashion. Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of the DiploFoundation, predicts a gradual evolution in US-EU tech cooperation, not a revolution. Trump’s leadership is expected to bring sharper focus to national sovereignty, content moderation, taxation, and cybersecurity, while reducing emphasis on multilateral solutions.
Content Moderation: A Key Policy Split
A major fault line between the US and EU will likely be content moderation. The conservative Project 2025 policy blueprint in the US proposes eliminating legal protections under Section 230, making social media companies more accountable for user content. This mirrors the EU’s desire for platform accountability, but Trump’s approach leans away from government regulation. Unlike the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which enforce strict content rules, Trump is expected to prioritize corporate responsibility over government-imposed limits.
Trade Tariffs and Tech Company Targeting
Trump’s return could revive trade tensions with the EU. Experts warn that new tariffs on European tech products are likely. In response, the EU could retaliate by tightening antitrust measures and raising taxes on US tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. With its massive consumer market, the EU has leverage, and these tensions could lead to a standoff that affects global tech trade.
Bilateral Deals Could Replace Broader Cooperation
During the Biden administration, the US-EU Technology Council played a key role in coordinating efforts on data transfers and cybersecurity. Under Trump, this forum may take a backseat as the US shifts toward bilateral agreements. Trump’s preference for one-on-one negotiations could make tech diplomacy more flexible—but also more fragmented. The EU might need to present a more unified voice to maintain influence and protect its regulatory standards.
Looking Ahead
While Trump’s return won’t completely upend US-EU tech relations, it is expected to reshape them in key areas. From trade to tech regulation, the relationship may become more transactional, with less coordination and more negotiation. Both sides will need to adapt as they navigate this new phase of transatlantic tech diplomacy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.