The EU’s competition chief, Teresa Ribera, has criticised US President Donald Trump for disrupting the ‘trustful relationship’ between Europe and the United States, highlighting the unpredictability and instability of Washington’s actions. In an interview with Reuters, Ribera stated that while Europe must engage in negotiations with the White House on trade issues, it should not be pressured into changing laws that have already been passed. She emphasised that Europe must remain firm on its principles, including human rights, democracy, and the unity of the continent, despite Trump’s transactional political approach.
Ribera also responded to criticism from Trump and his government, who have labelled EU regulations on US tech companies as a form of taxation. She dismissed these claims, stressing that Europe’s legal framework aims to ensure stability and predictability for businesses. In contrast, she expressed concern over the uncertainty created by the White House’s frequent policy shifts, particularly with regard to tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other sectors. The EU has vowed to respond firmly to any tariff increases imposed by Trump.
In addition, Ribera revealed that the European Commission would soon decide whether tech giants Apple and Meta Platforms have complied with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Both companies face potential fines if found in breach of the regulations, which are designed to curb their market dominance. Ribera also confirmed that investigations into Elon Musk’s social media platform X would continue, disregarding Musk’s ties to the US administration.
As tensions between Washington and Brussels continue to rise, Ribera reiterated that businesses seek a stable and predictable legal environment, something she feels is increasingly lacking in the US under Trump’s leadership. The EU remains committed to enforcing its regulations and protecting its values despite external pressures.
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Tether has signed an agreement with the government of Guinea to support economic growth and digital transformation through blockchain and peer-to-peer technology. The memorandum of understanding focuses on education, innovation, and sustainable technology, with Tether aiming to promote blockchain adoption in both public and private sectors. The partnership may also involve the City of Science and Innovation in Guinea.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to helping nations build strong digital economies. He emphasised that blockchain solutions could play a key role in Guinea’s technological development, paving the way for economic progress.
Tether has been actively expanding its global presence through similar partnerships. It recently relocated its headquarters to El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and has also collaborated with governments and organisations in Switzerland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. Additionally, the company has launched educational programmes in several countries to encourage broader blockchain adoption.
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Vietnam is set to adopt new regulations allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer satellite internet services in the country, granting it full control over its local subsidiary. This decision follows prolonged negotiations between Vietnam and SpaceX and marks a shift in Vietnam’s policy towards foreign investment in satellite internet services. The move is seen as a diplomatic gesture towards SpaceX, which could help alleviate tensions amid concerns over potential tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
The new rules, set to be approved by Vietnam’s parliament, will allow foreign companies with low-orbit satellite networks to operate under a pilot scheme until 2030. SpaceX’s efforts to enter Vietnam had previously been stalled in late 2023 due to a ban on foreign control, a requirement for Musk’s involvement. The new regulations are part of broader efforts by the Vietnamese government to remove obstacles in technological and scientific activities.
With plans for a $1.5 billion investment in Vietnam, SpaceX has been expanding its supplier network in the country. If Starlink attracts significant local subscribers, it could help reduce the growing trade surplus Vietnam has with the US, which reached a record $123.5 billion last year. As US tariffs continue to threaten Vietnam’s export-driven economy, the government is also seeking ways to balance trade by increasing imports from the US, including agricultural products.
The shift in Vietnam’s stance reflects a desire to play a more flexible role in international trade relations, especially as tensions between the US and its trade partners escalate under Trump’s administration. The outcome of this policy change could have significant implications for both Starlink’s expansion and Vietnam’s relationship with the US.
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Taiwanese electronics companies are preparing to increase investments in Texas, with major announcements expected in May, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Richard Lee, head of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, revealed that several large Taiwanese companies, particularly those in the AI server industry, are looking to expand their operations in Texas. This follows proactive efforts by Texas’ Republican-led government to attract Taiwanese investment.
The move comes as Trump has criticised Taiwan for its semiconductor business and threatened tariffs on trade partners with significant trade deficits, potentially targeting Taiwan. Last week, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged to invest more in the US, adding to the momentum. Companies like Foxconn, Compal, and Inventec, which already have operations in Texas, are expected to announce further expansions, particularly to accommodate the growing demand for AI-related technologies.
Foxconn, which manufactures products for major tech companies like Apple and Nvidia, has already made a $33 million investment in land and factory buildings in Texas. With the demand for AI servers rising, Taiwanese manufacturers are eyeing Texas as a strategic location to meet the growing market needs. However, neither Foxconn nor Compal has yet provided specific details on their plans.
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Europe is on track for an unprecedented expansion in data centre capacity this year, according to new research from CBRE. The commercial real estate firm projects that 937 megawatts of new capacity will come online in 2025, a 43% increase from 2024. This surge is being fuelled by growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, despite challenges in securing power and land.
Over half of this new capacity is expected in key markets such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. Secondary markets, including Milan and Madrid, are also experiencing rapid growth, with seven locations forecast to surpass 100MW of supply by the end of the year.
The ongoing boom is driven by several factors, including government incentives, land availability, and the ambitions of major cloud providers. ‘The data centre construction boom will continue unabated,’ said Kevin Restivo, CBRE’s head of European data centre research, highlighting the sector’s resilience despite infrastructure challenges.
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Taiwan’s GlobalWafers confirmed on Friday that its investments in the US are proceeding as planned, despite potential changes under the US CHIPS Act. The company has been awarded $406 million in government grants to expand its silicon wafer production in Texas and Missouri. However, the Biden administration is considering changes to some CHIPS Act funding, which has raised concerns for GlobalWafers, as sources indicated there could be delays or renegotiations of some semiconductor-related disbursements.
GlobalWafers CEO Doris Hsu stated that the company has not yet received any notifications regarding changes to its subsidy terms. She emphasised that, if adjustments to the CHIPS Act do occur, the company would need to reassess its investment strategy in the US. Hsu added that the decision would depend on factors such as US demand, pricing conditions, and potential tariffs, though she noted that these scenarios are still hypothetical at this stage.
The company is moving forward with its expansion plans across three US plants, with funding tied to specific milestones. Hsu reassured that the planned investments are continuing according to schedule, with no immediate changes to the company’s strategy. GlobalWafers remains optimistic about its US operations, bolstered by its existing factories in the country and its strong global presence.
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The European Union has dismissed claims that recent decisions to scale back planned AI regulations were influenced by pressure from the US Trump administration. The bloc recently scrapped the AI Liability Directive, a draft law intended to make it easier for consumers to sue over AI-related harms. EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen stated that the move was driven by a desire to enhance competitiveness by reducing bureaucracy and regulatory burdens.
Washington has encouraged a more lenient approach to AI rules, with US Vice President JD Vance urging European lawmakers to embrace the ”AI opportunity” during a speech in Paris.
The timing of the European Commission‘s 2025 work programme release—one day after Vance’s remarks—has fuelled speculation about US influence over the bloc’s regulatory decisions. However, the EU insists that its focus remains on fostering regional AI development rather than bowing to external pressure.
The upcoming AI code of practice will align reporting requirements with existing AI legislation, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework. The Commission’s work programme emphasises a ”bolder, simpler, faste” approach, aiming to accelerate AI adoption across Europe while maintaining regulatory oversight.
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Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada and France in response to their digital services taxes on US technology companies. The former president criticised the taxes as unfair, arguing that only the United States should have the right to tax its own firms.
Canada began implementing the levy last year to ensure companies like Alphabet and Amazon contribute fairly despite often booking profits in low-tax jurisdictions.
Trump directed his economic team to develop a strategy for reciprocal tariffs against any country imposing duties on US imports. A White House fact sheet claimed that Canada and France each collect over $500 million annually from US firms through digital taxes, costing American businesses more than $2 billion per year. The statement argued that retaliatory tariffs would restore fairness to global trade.
The digital tax dispute has been a long-standing issue, with Washington previously challenging Canada’s approach under Joe Biden’s administration.
The United States had sought trade dispute consultations, calling the tax discriminatory. The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not yet commented on Trump’s latest tariff proposal.
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The meeting also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and governance, according to India‘s foreign ministry. Modi’s visit to the United States has brought key discussions on commercial space activities and technological collaboration between the two countries.
Starlink’s potential entry into the Indian market was reportedly a key topic of discussion. The satellite internet provider has long sought to operate in India but has faced regulatory challenges and opposition from local competitors, including billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s company.
The Indian government has supported Musk’s stance that satellite spectrum should be assigned rather than auctioned, but Starlink’s licence application remains under review.
India’s decision on Starlink could reshape the country’s satellite internet sector and influence its position in the global space race.
SpaceX‘s dominance in satellite launches and internet services has already impacted global markets, and its expansion into India would be a significant step in its international growth. Musk continues to act as a crucial link between world leaders and SpaceX, which plays a key role in the Western space industry.
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Taiwan‘s President Lai Ching-te has pledged to address concerns raised by former US President Donald Trump regarding Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Speaking after a National Security Council meeting, Lai acknowledged the importance of global semiconductor supply chains and vowed to work with Taiwan’s semiconductor sector to develop strategies to address US concerns. He emphasised the need for democratic nations, including the US, to collaborate on creating a “democratic supply chain” for advanced chips, particularly in the growing AI sector.
Lai also reassured the US of Taiwan’s commitment to contributing to the international economy, noting that Taiwan, home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, plays a vital role in the semiconductor market. TSMC is heavily invested in the US, including a $65 billion investment in new factories in Arizona. Despite these efforts, Taiwan’s defence spending remains a topic of criticism, particularly from Trump, who has repeatedly highlighted Taiwan’s insufficient military expenditure amid increasing threats from China.
In response to US concerns, Lai revealed plans to propose a special budget to raise Taiwan’s defence spending from 2.5% of GDP to 3%. This proposal is currently being debated in parliament, where opposition parties hold a majority. Lai stressed that Taiwan’s determination to defend itself must be clear, as international allies continue to voice concerns over its defence readiness.
Finally, Lai reiterated Taiwan’s key role as a reliable trading partner to the US, especially in high-tech exports such as semiconductors. Taiwan’s trade surplus with the US surged by 83% last year, with exports reaching a record $111.4 billion.
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