Opinion
Opinion

The Muscle of Brussels

How the European Union became the world’s regulatory superpower.
The Muscle of Brussels
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Commentary

In a world where global power is measured by military strength, technological innovation, or cultural influence, it is striking that the European Union, without housing major tech giants or centers of disruptive innovation, has turned bureaucracy into a tool of global power. It shapes the behavior of global companies, including American big tech firms, which adapt their products to comply with European norms. This phenomenon is known as the “Brussels Effect” and has positioned the EU as the world’s regulatory superpower, fueling growing tensions, particularly with the United States following the re-election of Donald Trump.

Cláudia Ascensão Nunes
Cláudia Ascensão Nunes
Author
Cláudia Ascensão Nunes is a Portuguese writer and political commentator. She is the president of Ladies of Liberty Alliance—Portugal and a columnist featured in both national and international publications. Cláudia collaborates with Young Voices and focuses on economic freedom, European policy, and transatlantic cooperation. She has over 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), where she shares insights on politics, liberalism, and cultural issues.
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