US fears Starlink restrictions in Europe, threatens consequences — FT
Starlink could face partial restrictions in European countries (photo: starlink.com)
European businesses could suffer significant losses if the EU restricts American companies, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, from accessing its market, according to US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder.
The European Commission recently proposed reserving part of the radio spectrum exclusively for European companies.
This could limit American and Chinese satellite communications operators' ability to use these frequencies.
SpaceX warned that such a move could negatively affect connectivity in Ukraine, where Starlink provides vital communication channels for civilians and the military.
More broadly, the proposal is part of the EU's wider push to strengthen its technological independence and reduce reliance on American companies.
Puzder accused Brussels of protectionism and of trying to give European companies an advantage at the expense of their US competitors. He also criticized the EU's approach to regulating the technology sector.
In his view, Washington and Brussels should join forces to compete more effectively with China in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The European Commission explained that the initiative aims to encourage new European providers to enter the market and expand the range of available suppliers. At the same time, companies from countries outside the EU will still be able to operate in the European market.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said that Europe is already working on a Starlink alternative.
He also confirmed that Ukraine is developing its own satellite system.
