EU Lawmaker Warns Against 'Dangerous' SpaceX Ambitions for Europe

On October 21, 2026, Michał Kobosko, the European Parliament's lead negotiator for the Digital Networks Act, warned that Elon Musk's SpaceX ambitions pose a “dangerous” threat to Europe’s telecommunications market[1][2][4]. Kobosko stated that Europe “cannot just wake up and see that SpaceX is aiming to control fully the European market and we are doing nothing against it”[1][2][3][4][5][7].

This warning highlights Europe’s growing concern over its dependence on American technology, especially after recent disruptions to Starlink services in Ukraine[2][4]. The ongoing debate over the Digital Networks Act aims to bolster Europe's digital infrastructure against potential external control and market dominance[2][4][6].

What the records show

Michał Kobosko, lead negotiator for the European Parliament on the Digital Networks Act (DNA), vocalized his concerns to the Financial Times[1][2][5][6]. He emphasized that a scenario where SpaceX controls the European market without intervention would be “dangerous for us in Europe”[1][2][3][4][5][7]. Kobosko's draft report for the DNA includes specific and strict “sovereignty and resilience criteria for pan-European [mobile] spectrum licences”[1][3][4][5][6]. The Digital Networks Act is a proposed legislative overhaul designed to modernize EU telecommunications regulations[1][2][6]. Kobosko is actively preparing Parliament's position on this legislative proposal[2][6].

The timeline

Kobosko's statements were made on October 21, 2026[1][3][4][6][7]. This intervention follows SpaceX's acquisition of US licenses earlier in the month, which could enable a direct consumer mobile service[2][4]. The debate gained urgency due to recent disruptions to Starlink services in Ukraine[2][4]. These restrictions impacted Ukrainian frontline communications and hindered several military operations during intensified Russian attacks[2][4]. Following these disruptions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's accusation that Washington had deliberately slowed the service as reckless[2][4]. The EU Council reached an agreement on its negotiating position for the Digital Networks Act on January 29, 2026[15].

What changed and for whom

The discussion surrounding the Digital Networks Act has become more urgent as European governments seek to gain greater control over essential communications infrastructure[2][4]. Kobosko directly linked the Starlink disruptions to Europe’s vulnerability to American political and commercial decisions[2][4]. The EU Council's negotiating position for the DNA aims to update and simplify the existing regulatory framework for electronic communications[15]. This position also proposes a streamlined authorization process for pan-European electronic communications services, including those provided by satellite, and seeks to promote fair and effective access to spectrum[15].

What the subject has said publicly

Michał Kobosko told the Financial Times that Europe “cannot just wake up and see that SpaceX is aiming to control fully the European market and we are doing nothing against it”[1][2][3][4][5][7][10][12]. He added that such a development “would be too far, that would be dangerous for us in Europe”[1][2][3][4][5][7][10][12]. Kobosko also described connectivity as “the backbone of the European economy,” emphasizing the need for Europe to adapt to a rapidly changing world and stating, “We have to deliver”[9].

What we could not confirm

• The specific details of SpaceX's recent US license purchases that could support a direct consumer mobile service.
• The precise nature of the restrictions imposed on Starlink in Ukraine that disrupted frontline communications and impeded military missions.
• SpaceX's public response, if any, to Kobosko's statements or the proposed Digital Networks Act criteria.
• The current status of the Digital Networks Act beyond “awaiting a committee decision” in Parliament.