European democracy faces significant challenges, Hansen warned, stressing that responsibility lies with both the EU and its Member States. While the EU is advancing initiatives like the “Democracy Shield”, proposed by Ursula von der Leyen to safeguard democratic principles, Member States must also play their part.
Hansen highlighted the role of social media in undermining democracy, stating that platforms are often exploited to spread misinformation and populist rhetoric. “It is difficult for ordinary users to distinguish truth from falsehood”, he said. The EU’s “Digital Services Act” aims to address this by investigating platforms like TikTok and X for potential algorithm manipulation. “Clear rules are essential because democracy is at risk”, Hansen asserted.
He pointed to global players, including Russia, China, and the United States, as having vested interests in a fragmented Europe. Only a united EU can counter these threats, he said. Hansen also took aim at Elon Musk, stating: “With his wealth, Musk is much more dangerous. He should focus on other matters instead of meddling in European politics.” Hansen stressed the importance of applying regulations uniformly across all social media platforms, regardless of ownership.
As European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Hansen emphasised the need for stronger support for farmers. Measures are being introduced to improve farmers’ negotiating power and reduce administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on their core work. “Farmers are entrepreneurs, not bureaucrats”, Hansen said.
Hansen also addressed unfair competition, citing protests in France and Germany against cheaper imports from countries with less stringent regulations. “This undermines fair competition and harms health and the environment”, he said. Steps are already being taken to halt the import of products treated with banned pesticides.
Although the EU is largely self-sufficient in food production, “exporting 70 billion euros more beyond its borders than it needs to import”. Hansen noted vulnerabilities in areas like protein crop production, where the bloc relies heavily on third countries. “This dependence is a weakness we need to address”, he explained.
Another theme that the European Commissioner is keen on is that of “generational succession”. Currently, only 12% of farmers are under 40. The average age is 57. It is absolutely necessary to “make the profession more attractive. This is the big challenge for the next five years.”
Watch the full interview in Luxembourgish here:
