Google’s top lawyer Kent Walker warns that Europe is undermining its own competitiveness by restricting access to foreign technology. Brussels wants to reduce dependence on American tech giants with a tech sovereignty package to be presented in the spring.
Kent Walker outlines in the Financial Times that the EU is facing a “competition paradox.” The bloc wants to stimulate growth, but at the same time, it is restricting the use of the technologies needed to achieve it. The timing is interesting. On Thursday, European leaders met in Belgium to discuss how to strengthen European competitiveness in a volatile global economy.
“We deliver a lot of value to Europe,” Walker said. But erecting walls that make it more difficult to use some of the world’s best technologies would be counterproductive. Especially now that technology is advancing so rapidly.
Digital sovereignty gets new impetus
Europe’s pursuit of digital sovereignty has gained new momentum in recent months. Fears of a tech decoupling due to US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy are playing a major role in the expected growth of sovereign cloud infrastructure. Europe is currently preparing a sovereignty package that will be presented in the spring. This package aims to expand sovereign cloud solutions and strengthen Europe’s independence in software.
Walker advocates “open digital sovereignty.” This would give the bloc control over key technologies and access to the world’s best technologies. He suggests collaborations between American and European companies “that allow local control, local storage of information, local ability to make sure that we are complying with European requirements.”
Regulatory pressure hinders innovation
Walker emphasizes the popularity of Google services in Europe. Whether it’s the search engine, email, translation services, or maps, European consumers often use them on a daily basis. According to him, Europe’s “regulatory friction” risks stifling innovation and denying European consumers and businesses access to “the best digital tools.”
Google is therefore pushing for a “pragmatic, forward-looking approach,” especially when it comes to AI. “The AI transition is the most competitive technology transition we’ve ever seen. The market is moving faster than the rules right now.”