For innovation, Brussels is the place to be, rather than The Hague. The European Parliament's work is more technical and content-driven compared to national levels, and many current EU challenges can be addressed with technology. Erik Becker (VVD) believes the European Parliament needs more tech-savvy members to make smarter decisions.
With a background in engineering and international business, Erik feels at home in the multinational EU environment. He points out that the EU lags behind the US and China in innovation due to overly strict regulations, and argues that innovators need more freedom. Fast tracks for vital sectors, like the Chips Act for semiconductors, are necessary and could benefit defense and healthcare industries as well.
Regarding developments in The Hague, Erik discusses the coalition agreement's impact on VVD's work at the European level and within the Renew coalition in the European Parliament.
Interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport during the EDIC Eindhoven groot Europees debat