European tech CEOs create lobby to deregulate the EU

What happened?

On June 23, 2026, seven of Europe's largest tech companies announced the formation of a permanent lobbying group with direct access to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Under the name European Tech Creators, the collective aims to accelerate deregulation of the sector and facilitate business consolidation on the continent. According to The Next Web, the group met with von der Leyen for the first time in Brussels, establishing a continuous dialogue channel that did not exist before. This move represents a radical shift in tech lobbying strategy in Europe, moving from ad hoc actions to an institutionalized presence.

Who is in it?

The group is composed of the CEOs of seven European tech giants that, according to The Next Web, collectively generate €417 billion in annual revenue, represent a market capitalization close to €1.1 trillion, and employ hundreds of thousands of people. Although the article does not explicitly name all companies, it is known that among them are names like SAP, Spotify, Booking.com, and other major players in the European digital ecosystem. Given their size, Adyen, Delivery Hero, Zalando, and Prosus are also likely present, though not officially confirmed. These companies operate in sectors such as enterprise software, streaming, travel, payments, and e-commerce. Together, their revenue is roughly equivalent to Finland's GDP, and their market capitalization exceeds the combined value of major listed European tech companies. The group has been presented as a counterweight to the power of large US (GAFAM) and Chinese (BATX) tech companies, which already have their own influence channels in Brussels.

Why is it important?

This move marks a significant shift in the relationship between political power and big tech in Europe. Until now, Brussels has been seen as a strict regulator, with laws like the GDPR, DMA, and DSA imposing multi-million euro fines on companies like Google, Apple, and Meta. The new lobby seeks to counterbalance this trend, arguing that excessive regulation stifles innovation and competitiveness against US and Chinese giants. In a context where the European Union aims to boost its digital autonomy and create 'European champions', this group pushes for more flexible competition rules and to allow mergers that were previously blocked. The initiative coincides with the publication of the Commission's Digital Competitiveness Strategy, which advocates for a more innovation-friendly approach. However, critics point out that this could dismantle key protections for consumers and small businesses. The timing is crucial, as the EU debates AI regulation and the revision of the DMA.

What consequences could it have?

• Accelerated deregulation: Competition, data protection, or AI rules could be relaxed to favor European companies. For example, the DMA could soften its requirements for European companies acting as gatekeepers, or the DSA could reduce content moderation obligations. This would directly benefit companies like Booking.com or Spotify, which have criticized the regulatory burden.
• Market consolidation: The door would open to mergers and acquisitions previously blocked by the Commission, creating European champions. A notable case is the failed merger between Siemens and Alstom in 2019, vetoed by Brussels. Now, similar deals could be approved under the argument of global competition. This could lead to the creation of pan-European tech giants capable of rivaling Google or Amazon.
• Criticism and opposition: Consumer organizations and privacy advocates warn of a potential rollback in digital rights. Groups like EDRi (European Digital Rights) have already expressed concern, noting that the lobby could erode the GDPR and allow greater corporate surveillance. Additionally, startups and SMEs fear that consolidation will reduce competition and raise prices. The Commission will need to balance these demands with the need for innovation.

What should readers know?

This lobby is not an isolated event but part of a global trend where big tech seeks to influence regulation. In the US, companies like Google and Meta spend millions on lobbying; in China, tech companies have close ties with the government. Europe has traditionally been stricter, but this group signals a change of course. Readers should understand that while deregulation could boost the European digital economy and create jobs, it could also reduce consumer protection and privacy. The key will be the balance the European Commission strikes between competitiveness and fundamental rights. Additionally, it is important to follow the evolution of this group: will it succeed in influencing upcoming AI legislation? Will more companies join? Will there be trade-offs such as investment in digital infrastructure? The European Tech Creators could redefine the European tech landscape, but it will also face strong opposition from civil society and national regulators. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the EU's ability to maintain its regulatory leadership while fostering innovation.