At the 2026 Cercle d’Economia event in Barcelona, Telefónica’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Marc Murtra, emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its technological capabilities to ensure strategic autonomy. He argued that Europe’s competitiveness relies heavily on developing its own assets, especially in the age of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and autonomous systems.
Murtra highlighted that technological advancement is crucial for economic competitiveness and resilience. He underscored that strategic autonomy does not equate to isolation; it’s about developing critical abilities in key areas like digital infrastructure, energy, semiconductors, and AI.
“Strategic autonomy is the relevant concept. No economy is entirely independent, but Europe must bolster its capabilities to reduce its dependencies on crucial technologies,” he said. Murtra insisted on the importance of European telecom companies as significant platforms for regional technological growth, stating, “We are in an era of scale. To develop technology in Europe, we need to build scale.”
The foundation for these advancements, according to Murtra, includes investment and industrial capacity, coupled with a long-term vision. European strategic autonomy is a task that demands collective effort, drawing upon the continent’s vast pool of talent and resources. He argued, “Building our technology is the path to defending European values,” suggesting that technological progress can safeguard democratic values and freedom.
Murtra advocated for a simplified regulatory environment focused on promoting innovation and strategic autonomy. “Simplifying does not mean eliminating regulation, but prioritizing what drives innovation, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy,” he explained. This approach, while accepting the risk of potential failures, promises to align technological progress with essential democratic values and personal freedoms.
In summary, Murtra’s vision for Europe’s technological future is bold. It stresses the necessity for Europe to assert itself in the global technology sphere, leveraging its existing capabilities and infrastructure. By fostering an environment where innovation thrives, Europe can reduce its reliance on external technologies and fortify its strategic autonomy.
