NEW: The recent EU fine on X made it clear… the continent is eager to punish X for giving Europeans permission to speak freely. The EU (and now a separate UK) have been arresting thousands of people per year for speech-related offenses. But this isn’t just about the lack of free speech in Europe — the fine also highlights just how weak the European tech sector has become. • In 2024, the EU’s tech-fine operation produced more income for European coffers than ALL the income taxes paid by its public internet tech companies. • The number and size of new European companies worth $10 billion or more is dwindling. • And even old industrial titans like Germany are struggling, with no real GDP growth in five years. @dhh explains why Europe’s shift towards anti-liberal speech policies and the continent’s broader industry decay are related… and why it doesn’t have to be this way. Full piece threaded 👇