Bloomberg Talks Booking CEO Glenn Fogel Talks EU Tech Regulation
Nov 18, 2025
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings and a leader in the travel tech industry, discusses the complexities of EU digital regulations and their implications. He shares insights on the burdens of complying with evolving AI rules, the risks of losing competitiveness to non-EU companies, and the challenges posed by restrictive regulations on innovation and job growth. Fogel emphasizes the need for balanced, smart regulations that foster safety while allowing technology to thrive, hopeful for future simplifications that could benefit the travel sector.
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EU Rules Raise Competitive Costs
- Booking faces higher compliance costs in the EU because its global competitors aren't always subject to the same rules.
- Glenn Fogel warns this regulatory divergence gives rivals an operational and innovation advantage.
Regulatory Fear Limits Tech Access
- Hyperscalers may withhold cutting-edge AI tools from Europe due to regulatory uncertainty.
- That limits European engineers' access to new tech and deepens the innovation gap, Fogel says.
Engage Regulators Early And Clearly
- Work with legislators to explain practical consequences before rules are finalized.
- Fogel urges companies to proactively advise policymakers to avoid unintended harms.