EU officials discuss cutting reliance on US tech after Starlink slowdowns
EU officials discussed cutting dependence on the US and diversifying suppliers after Starlink slowdowns in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported.
European Union officials discussed reducing dependence on the United States and diversifying suppliers of "critical technologies" after slowdowns in Starlink service in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. TASS relayed the report on 28 October.
According to the sources, the Starlink slowdown and the resulting public dispute between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump were among the central topics at the EU summit on 15 and 16 October. Officials discussed the need to strengthen their own capabilities.
A Bloomberg source said such changes would take years. The most realistic option is to strengthen Europe's role within existing structures such as NATO.
Kiev has said SpaceX restricted the operation of Starlink terminals used by Ukraine's armed forces, disrupting several military operations. Elon Musk said Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, and that any restrictions are imposed by the US military and ultimately the US president. The Wall Street Journal claimed Musk himself ordered restrictions on Ukraine's access to Starshield. On 22 October, Trump announced that Ukraine's access to Starshield had been restored.
Sourcetass.com