EU leaders warn of dangerous reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink

European Union leaders are increasingly concerned about the continent's reliance on Starlink, the satellite internet service controlled by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to statements from senior EU officials.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, highlighted the bloc's vulnerability, noting that Europe currently lacks readily available alternatives to the technology provided by the American space company. The remarks reflect broader anxieties within EU leadership about technological sovereignty and strategic independence in an era of geopolitical tension.

The dependency issue has gained prominence as European governments grapple with the implications of relying on privately-controlled infrastructure for critical communications. Starlink's satellite constellation has become instrumental in various applications across Europe, from telecommunications to emergency response systems, making the reliance particularly acute.

EU officials have signalled the need for European alternatives to reduce exposure to foreign technological control. The discussions align with the bloc's wider efforts to strengthen digital autonomy and reduce strategic vulnerabilities in key sectors, though developing competitive alternatives remains a significant undertaking requiring substantial investment and technological advancement.

The matter reflects deeper concerns among policymakers about the concentration of critical technologies in the hands of American companies and the potential risks this poses to European interests and security.