The EU provided significant funding to companies owned by Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual in the world and a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a document obtained by AFP on Tuesday (May 13, 2025).
German Green EU lawmaker Daniel Freund raised concerns in March about EU funding allocated to Musk-affiliated businesses.
In response, the European Commission revealed that it allocated approximately 159 million euros ($176 million) to Tesla in 2023 for the construction of electric car charging stations.
Furthermore, in 2024, the EU engaged SpaceX, owned by Mr. Musk, to deploy satellites for the European Galileo satellite system, with a contract valued at around $197 million.
The commission justified choosing SpaceX due to delays in the deployment of Ariane 6, the designated launch vehicle for Galileo.
In addition, the EU paid 630,000 euros to Mr. Musk’s X for advertising on social media platforms until the suspension of such services in October 2023.
Since the return of Mr. Trump to the White House in January, transatlantic relations have deteriorated significantly, with Mr. Musk criticizing the EU’s digital regulations as censorship.
Critics, including Mr. Freund, argue that these circumstances warrant the EU ceasing payments to the tech magnate.
“This individual openly opposes the EU and our fundamental principles. It is unjustifiable to continue funneling hundreds of millions to the wealthiest person on the planet,” stated Mr. Freund.
Published – May 13, 2025 05:23 pm IST
