Break up big tech to save competition, democracy and the climate

Teresa Ribera faces a formidable challenge. In September, Spain’s socialist deputy prime minister was tapped by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take on the role of executive vice president for a clean, just and competitive transition, placing her in charge of two critical policy areas: competition and climate action.

This is a vast and highly contested portfolio. On the competition side, Ribera will inherit several landmark cases, including the European Union’s effort to break up Google’s online advertising monopoly – an outcome that could reshape the digital economy.