The European Commission has announced plans to continue its efforts on technology standardisation with the United States, despite growing uncertainty regarding the future of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in light of the upcoming US presidential elections.
The TTC, established in 2021 as a forum for high-level collaboration between the EU and the US, has served as a platform for both regions to align their approaches on critical issues like digital regulation, technology standards, data privacy, and artificial intelligence (AI). However, with the 2024 US election on the horizon, questions have arisen about the future of the TTC under a potentially new administration, raising concerns over the continuation of transatlantic cooperation on tech policy.
Ongoing EU-US Tech Collaboration: A Strategic Imperative
Despite the looming political uncertainties, the EU has expressed its determination to continue its work on tech standardisation with the US, a process crucial for ensuring interoperability between their digital economies and reducing trade barriers in the tech sector.
The European Commission, led by Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, has reiterated the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks on emerging technologies, such as 5G, AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. These areas, if addressed effectively, have the potential to foster deeper cooperation, drive innovation, and enhance economic ties between the EU and US.
At a recent conference on global tech policy, Commissioner Breton highlighted the need for international cooperation to ensure fair competition and the development of open, transparent standards that benefit both sides. “We must continue to push for global technology standards that reflect democratic values, protect privacy, and support innovation,” Breton stated, emphasizing that such efforts would be crucial in navigating the complex global tech landscape.
The Role of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
The TTC was launched as part of the broader EU-US Strategic Partnership, with the goal of coordinating on key tech policy issues. The Council has focused on several initiatives since its inception, including:
- AI regulations: Harmonising AI policy to ensure that AI systems are developed and used responsibly, with shared ethical guidelines.
- Data flows: Ensuring that data flows across the Atlantic are secure and comply with both the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and US privacy laws.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthening collaboration on cyber defense, particularly against increasing threats from hostile actors.
- Digital trade: Facilitating smoother digital trade by aligning standards in areas like cloud computing, e-commerce, and telecommunications.
The TTC has also provided a space for dialogue on broader issues such as digital sovereignty and global governance of emerging technologies, making it a key platform for addressing transatlantic concerns about Chinese dominance in areas like 5G infrastructure and AI development.
However, as the 2024 US election nears, there are concerns that a change in leadership could lead to a shift in US policy priorities, potentially diminishing the focus on multilateral tech cooperation. The Biden administration has been a strong advocate for international alliances and collaboration on technology regulation, but questions remain about the consistency of this approach under a new president, especially if political changes lead to a more isolationist or protectionist stance.
Potential Challenges After the 2024 US Elections
If a Republican candidate wins the 2024 US presidential election, there could be significant changes to the US approach to the TTC and tech cooperation with the EU. Some key points of concern include:
- Prioritisation of domestic concerns: A shift towards a more nationalist approach could deprioritise international partnerships on technology and digital regulation, which could affect the future of the TTC and collaboration on tech standards.
- Divergence on data privacy: The US has traditionally taken a more business-friendly approach to data privacy and digital regulation, whereas the EU has been at the forefront of consumer protection with its stringent GDPR laws. A new US administration may seek to undermine or limit GDPR-style regulations, which could lead to friction between the EU and US.
- Geopolitical tensions: The growing tech rivalry with China could shape the transatlantic relationship in a way that focuses more on security concerns than regulatory cooperation. A shift in focus could lead to a more transactional approach to tech collaboration, undermining long-term cooperative efforts.
However, there are also opportunities for continued cooperation, even in the face of political shifts in the US. Both the EU and the US have a strong interest in ensuring that their digital economies remain competitive globally, and international cooperation on tech standards could remain a key priority regardless of leadership changes.
The EU’s Next Steps: Ensuring Continuity in Tech Policy
Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the TTC, the EU Commission is working to ensure that tech standardisation efforts continue regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US elections. The EU has been proactively engaging with international partners in multilateral forums like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to continue pushing for global tech standards.
In particular, the EU has made significant progress in promoting its vision of open standards in emerging technologies, such as AI, 5G, and blockchain. The EU Digital Strategy, launched in 2020, has laid out ambitious plans for digital sovereignty, ensuring that Europe can maintain control over key technologies and digital infrastructures while fostering global cooperation.
In the post-TTC era, the EU may shift its focus towards strengthening bilateral partnerships with like-minded countries, including Japan, South Korea, and India, to maintain momentum in tech standardisation and regulatory alignment. This would also help reduce the potential impact of any political shifts in the US.
Conclusion: Will the TTC Survive?
The future of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council remains uncertain, especially in light of the upcoming US presidential election. While both the EU and the US have significant interests in maintaining strong ties on tech policy, political shifts could pose challenges to the continuity of the TTC. Nevertheless, the EU Commission has made clear its intention to continue its work on technology standardisation with the US and other global partners, as part of its broader strategy to shape the future of the digital economy and ensure that democratic values are embedded in the technologies of tomorrow.
In the coming months, the EU will likely push forward with international partnerships to safeguard the progress made on tech policy, regardless of any potential political shifts in Washington.
References:
- European Commission – “EU-US Tech Cooperation: A Path Forward” EU Commission, 2024
- The Verge – “TTC and the Future of EU-US Tech Relations Amid US Election” The Verge, 2024
- Financial Times – “Tech Standardisation and the EU’s Digital Strategy” Financial Times, 2024
- Politico – “TTC Under Threat: US Election and Transatlantic Tech Relations” Politico, 2024
