EU-US Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue Strengthens Transatlantic Cooperation

Top officials from the European Commission and the United States met in Washington for the fourth session of the EU-US Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue (TCPD), underscoring the commitment to fostering fair competition in the digital economy.

In attendance were Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Lina Khan, Chair of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General of the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division. Their discussions aimed to address the escalating challenges posed by data monopolies and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

Jonathan Kanter emphasized the importance of international collaboration in tackling these challenges, highlighting the value of sharing best practices to better serve the interests of citizens. Similarly, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stressed the significance of global partnerships in navigating the dynamic digital landscape, particularly in areas like AI and algorithmic decision-making.

Today’s dialogue focused on critical aspects such as the evolving digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing, as well as adapting merger enforcement to the realities of the digital economy. The officials also deliberated on how best to address changing market dynamics, especially in relation to technology platforms.

The consensus reached among the participants reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation within the TCPD framework to uphold fair competition in the technology sector. Plans were made for further high-level meetings and technical discussions to sustain momentum in addressing emerging challenges.

Background

The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched on June 15, 2021, by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Joe Biden, aims to coordinate approaches to global trade, economic, and technology issues. The TCPD, launched on December 7, 2021, complements this initiative by focusing on developing common approaches and enhancing cooperation on competition policy and enforcement in the technology sector.

The Commission, FTC, and the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice have a longstanding tradition of close cooperation in antitrust enforcement and policy, dating back to agreements established in the early 1990s. This collaborative relationship underscores the shared commitment to promoting fair competition in the digital economy.

Source: EC Europa