Read the whole interview by José Manuel Sanz Mingote for EFE, the global agency press agency from Spain here.
José Manuel Sanz Mingote and Christophe Leclercq discussed Europe Media Lab’s mission as a “think-and-do tank” aimed at enhancing the resilience of the media sector through policy and innovation. Christophe Leclercq outlined the “Trusted European Platforms” initiative, which seeks to develop sovereign European social media infrastructures to provide viable alternatives to existing platforms, while emphasising the need for adherence to specific trust criteria. They also explored the path forward, including financing through venture capital and sovereign funds, as well as the role of policymakers in establishing a framework for trusted European platforms.
Europe Media Lab’s Mission
José Manuel Sanz Mingote questioned Christophe Leclercq about the role of Europe Media Lab. Christophe Leclercq explained that the organisation functions as a “think-and-do tank” aimed at strengthening the resilience of the media sector through policy development and innovation. Their efforts include initiatives such as Stars for Media and a targeted programme to triple the number of Eastern European correspondents in Brussels.
Trusted European Platforms Initiative
When asked about the objective of the “Trusted European Platforms” initiative, Christophe Leclercq – drawing on experience as a media publisher and former European Commission official – explained that existing EU legislation has had limited success in regulating US platforms, particularly with regard to disinformation and harmful content. Rather than seeking to ban existing platforms, the initiative proposes the creation of sovereign, trusted European social media infrastructures to foster competition.
Addressing Concerns about Anti-USA or Anti-China Interpretations
José Manuel Sanz Mingote raised concerns about whether the initiative might be viewed as anti-USA or anti-China. Christophe Leclercq acknowledged this risk but stressed that the aim is not to replace existing platforms, but to build complementary European ones. He drew parallels with the success of Airbus alongside Boeing, and the EU’s support for its film industry within the framework of an open market. He also underlined the importance of establishing platforms that meet clearly defined trust criteria.
Promoting Competition and Trust Standards
On the question of whether the initiative supports multiple European platforms, Christophe Leclercq confirmed that fostering internal competition is part of the vision. He emphasised the need to adapt the regulatory framework to encourage platforms to apply for a “trusted platforms” label. This would involve incorporating trust indicators into algorithms, ensuring interoperability, and enabling the portability of consumer data. The label, he explained, is not protectionist; platforms would need to be rooted in Europe and comply with strict trust standards.
Path Forward and Stakeholder Involvement
When asked about the next steps and the involvement of European institutions and national governments, Christophe Leclercq said the market is ready for such initiatives. He pointed to existing efforts in B2B technical infrastructure and growing engagement among various stakeholders. He highlighted the need for a catalyst to move from discussion to action, involving the news media, the advertising industry, and tech professionals eager to support European-led projects.
Financing and the Role of Policymakers
On financing, Christophe Leclercq cited potential sources such as venture capital, sovereign funds from European governments, and EU instruments like the European Investment Bank. He noted that the role of policymakers would not be to provide large-scale subsidies, but rather to act as facilitators by establishing a process to define what qualifies as a trusted European platform. He also expressed hope that this concept would be recognised in upcoming policy discussions at the highest levels.
Investor Interest and Market Potential
When asked about the interest of private European investors, Christophe Leclercq confirmed that momentum is building. He stated that the market is “ripe” and that investors are drawn to both the quality of the people involved and the significant market potential. He clarified that the goal is not to replicate existing US platforms, particularly in light of ongoing developments in AI integration.
AI’s Role and Future Opportunities
In response to a final question on artificial intelligence, Christophe Leclercq said that AI will both exacerbate threats to democracy and information quality, while also creating new opportunities for innovative companies. He asserted that it is “never too late” to innovate, pointing to past technological shifts in which new players emerged and rose to prominence.