Headlines

Europe must not cede digital sphere to US, China, warns Germany's Merz

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 18, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Europe must not cede digital sphere to US, China, warns Germany's Merz
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday called on Europe to take swift action to avoid ceding the increasingly important digital sphere to the United States and China in future.

Germany's Merz Urges Europe to Retain Digital Leadership Against US, China

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday called on Europe to take swift action to avoid ceding the increasingly important digital sphere to the United States and China in future.

"The tectonic shifts we are currently witnessing in the world, in the political and economic centres of power, demand swift action in the digital sphere," he said a digital summit in Berlin on Tuesday attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.

"The questions of the future will be decided predominantly in the digital realm," and the U.S. and China, two digital superpowers, are vying for technological leadership, he said.

"Europe must not cede this field to them."

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Writing by Miranda MurrayEditing by Madeline Chambers)

Key Takeaways

  • Friedrich Merz emphasizes Europe's need for digital leadership.
  • US and China are seen as digital superpowers.
  • Merz calls for swift action in the digital realm.
  • The digital sphere is crucial for future political and economic power.
  • A digital summit in Berlin highlighted these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital leadership?
Digital leadership refers to the ability to influence and guide organizations in the digital landscape, ensuring they adapt to technological changes and leverage digital tools effectively.
What is the digital sphere?
The digital sphere encompasses all online environments, technologies, and platforms where digital interactions occur, including social media, websites, and digital services.
What are technological superpowers?
Technological superpowers are countries or regions that lead in technology development and innovation, significantly influencing global technological trends and standards.
What is innovation in finance?
Innovation in finance refers to the introduction of new ideas, products, or methods that enhance financial services, improve customer experience, and increase efficiency.
What is the significance of swift action in technology?
Swift action in technology is crucial for organizations to stay competitive, adapt to market changes, and effectively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category