Von der Leyen’s Fax Joke Sparks Laughter—and a Serious EU Warning
Laughter echoed through the European Parliament, but the message behind it was anything but light.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a sharp, unexpected jab during a debate in European Parliament in Strasbourg. And her target was something many thought had already faded into history: the fax machine.
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Speaking about the urgent need to cut red tape across the European Union, von der Leyen pointed out that some member states still require official correspondence to be sent by fax. The chamber reacted with laughter. But behind the humor was a serious frustration. In a digital world driven by instant communication, cloud systems and AI-powered administration, parts of Europe are still relying on technology from the 1980s.
The comment came during a broader discussion about cross-border waste transport inside the EU. Businesses trying to move recyclable materials between countries often face months of paperwork and delays. And in some cases, that paperwork must be physically transmitted by fax. For companies operating across borders, this slows down trade, increases costs and weakens Europe’s competitiveness.
Von der Leyen’s message was clear. Europe cannot talk about innovation, artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty while parts of its bureaucracy remain stuck in the analog age. The push for modernization is not just about convenience. It is about economic survival. The EU is competing with the United States and China in technology and green industries. Efficiency matters. Speed matters.
Germany, often seen as Europe’s economic engine, has faced criticism in recent years for lagging in public-sector digitalization. The continued reliance on fax machines has become symbolic of a wider challenge. And von der Leyen’s remark, though indirect, put that issue under a continental spotlight.
This moment also reflects a larger shift inside the European Union. The Commission is pushing hard for digital transformation, streamlined regulation and faster approval processes. The goal is to reduce bureaucracy that businesses say is holding them back. But reform requires cooperation from all member states. And that is where politics becomes complicated.
The laughter in the chamber may fade quickly. The structural problems will not. If Europe wants to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy, modernization cannot be optional.
This debate is far from over. And as reforms move forward, the pressure on national governments will only increase. Stay with us for continuing coverage as Europe confronts its digital future head-on.
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