AI, data and Europe’s quest to simplify

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie sits down with Bruegel’s Mario Mariniello and Bertin Martens to discuss technology regulation in the European Union. Brussels hopes to make its complicated rulebook more fit for purpose with digital “omnibus” plans, intended to streamline and improve oversight. But artificial intelligence, data collection and relations with United States tech giants are tricky subjects that may not be so easily addressed. How should companies manage data? What are the consequences for EU citizens, particularly those from minority language groups? And what kind of innovation can policy encourage in Europe? New technologies move fast, and the EU will need to balance precaution with experimentation. Related research: Christie, R., Cipollone, P., Hernández de Cos, P. (2025) 'Digital euro: why now and what's next', Podcast, 18 June, Bruegel, available at Mariniello, M. (2025) 'The European Commission’s Digital Omnibus could increase risks, not growth', First Glance, 13 November, Bruegel, available at Mariniello, M. (2025) 'Efficiency and distribution in the European Union’s digital deregulation push', Policy Brief, 20 November, Bruegel, available at Martens, B. (2025) 'The European Union needs more than the digital omnibus to make digital services competitive', Analysis, 8 December, Bruegel, available at

You can listen to AI, data and Europe’s quest to simplify online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

AI, data and Europe’s quest to simplify is an episode from The Sound of Economics by Bruegel.

This episode is 46:31 long.

This episode was published on Jan 7, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from The Sound of Economics when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.