Today, Europe stands at a critical juncture. Policymakers in Brussels are reconsidering how competition laws are interpreted, enforced, and reshaped. Amid landmark investigations and fines targeting tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Amazon, what will be Europe's next move? Are agriculture, banking, pharmaceuticals, or other major industries poised for new regulatory scrutiny? Can the EU courts reshape enforcement, or will regulatory ambitions face unexpected hurdles?
Hosted by Javier Espinoza, The Brussels Beat delivers insightful conversations with leading European antitrust experts, policymakers, legal analysts, and business leaders. Powered by rigorous investigative journalism and incisive analysis, Javier and his guests delve deep into Europe's evolving approach to monopoly power. This podcast is essential listening for executives, policymakers, legal professionals, and anyone interested in understanding Europe's strategic stance on antitrust issues, exploring the complex intersections of law, politics, and economics shaping the continent's future.
As the European Union imposes its first fines under the landmark Digital Markets Act, former Commissioner Thierry Breton joins The Brussels Beat for his first Brussels interview since leaving office. Far from declaring victory, Breton calls the penalties against Apple and Meta “regrettable”—a signal not of enforcement success, but of corporate failure.
In this episode, we unpack why Europe’s goal was dialogue, not punishment; how soft power still underpins Brussels’ regulatory strategy; and what’s next for Google, TikTok, and the future of global tech governance. Tune in for a sharp conversation about rules, resistance, and the recalibration of power in the digital age.
