The EU at 40: Balancing progress and responsibility

This year, the European Union marks its 40th anniversary. That's four decades of collaboration, evolution, and shared ambition. This milestone is an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on what Europe has truly achieved. And where do we go from here?

With 32 million enterprises operating across the Schengen area, the EU has quietly become one of the most influential ecosystems in the world. It may not always grab headlines like Silicon Valley, but its impact continues to grow.

We often talk about innovation as a sprint, but in Europe, it's been more of a marathon. Slow, steady, and often deeply principled. Sometimes it reminds me of Aesop's fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare." Faster doesn't always mean you will win the race!

That approach has yielded real benefits, especially when it comes to striking a balance between progress and responsibility, even when there's room for growth.

I will take a look at how the EU has supported technology over the past 40 years, where it's fallen short, and how it can lead the way in the years to come.

The full article was posted first in the publication "Tomorrow's Affairs" on July 6th, 2025

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