Two keynote speeches marked one of the most intense moments of the EDP Congress in Bilbao: those given by Paolo Benanti and Thierry Breton. Two different voices, united by the same awareness: European democracy is facing a profound transformation and must now decide what role it wants to play.
Paolo Benanti, theologian and expert in the ethics of technology, described the impact of AI with a clarity that captivated the audience. Today, he explained, we live in a “software-defined reality”, a reality governed by objects that we believe we own but which actually function thanks to software that we do not control. “If you don’t own the software, you don’t really own what you have in your hands,” he pointed out, showing how a simple update can transform a harmless device into a tool for surveillance or manipulation. It is a new form of power, silent and pervasive, which redefines personal autonomy, security and even the quality of public debate.
Benanti warned that this technological dependence has a direct impact on institutions: ‘If democracy becomes software-dependent, then whoever controls the software controls democracy.’ That is why politics must regain sovereignty over computational power before it is too late.
Thierry Breton then turned his attention to the international arena. Since 20 January, he said, the world has entered a phase dominated by the loss of an essential element: ‘Trust. It has been lost, and everything else follows from that.’ Without trust, alliances, trade rules and the balance between democracies can no longer hold.
In this scenario, Europe finds itself under pressure just as it has finally built a regulatory model that is unique in the world — from big tech rules to the AI Act. Breton did not hide his concern for those within the Union who are trying to dismantle this regulatory framework.
‘Better instability than humiliation,’ he said, opposing the temptation to withdraw or weaken rules designed to protect rights, competition and digital security. It was a direct appeal to European democrats: defend the achievements made, resist pressure and continue to believe in the European model as a credible alternative to the two extremes — American deregulation and Chinese surveillance.
Benanti and Breton, albeit from different perspectives, conveyed the same message: Europe cannot afford to remain inert. AI, digital technology, geopolitics and global competition are rapidly redefining the balance of power. To remain a key player, Europe must choose courage, responsibility and a vision that combines innovation, rights and sovereignty.
Benanti and Breton, albeit from different perspectives, conveyed the same message: Europe cannot afford to remain inert. AI, digital technology, geopolitics and global competition are rapidly redefining the balance of power. To remain a key player, Europe must choose courage, responsibility and a vision that combines innovation, rights and sovereignty.
