Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel recently addressed the issue of the European Union’s tendency to overregulate during a session at the Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon. He emphasized the need for a balance between technological advancement and the protection of democratic values and human rights.

Concerns of Overregulation

During his speech, Rangel articulated that Europe’s inclination to impose regulations can be detrimental. He said, “Europe has a cultural tendency to over-regulate, which is naturally a disadvantage.” This statement reflects a growing concern among policymakers about the implications of excessive regulation on innovation and growth.

Balancing Technology & Democracy

Rangel stressed the importance of finding a balance between fostering technological development and upholding democratic principles. He noted that the protection of fundamental rights requires some level of regulation, particularly in areas concerning freedom of expression, privacy, and monopolistic practices in the tech sector.

Reinventing Democracy

Rangel also addressed what he termed one of the “great challenges of democracy,” which he described as a territorial phenomenon rooted in the physical world. He proposed the need to “reinvent democracy” to create a form of digital democracy that can effectively bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms. This approach aims to ensure that democratic values are preserved in an increasingly digital society.