Merkel urges EU to keep regulating social media, AI

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the European Union on Tuesday to press forward with strict regulation of social media and artificial intelligence, warning that unaccountable misinformation would erode the foundations of democracy.

The appeal, delivered at a newly created European Order of Merit ceremony, comes as the 27-nation EU enforces some of the world's toughest digital rules and considers banning minors from social media platforms.

Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years before stepping down in 2021, received the European Order of Merit at a formal ceremony in the European Parliament, The Korea Times reported. The decoration, first conferred in March 2026, recognized 20 laureates for contributions to European integration, democracy and shared values.

"Continue along the path of regulating social media. Continue along the path of regulating artificial intelligence," Merkel said in her acceptance speech.

She issued a broader warning about digital disinformation and political accountability. "To believe that responsibility for spreading information is no longer necessary — that one will not be held accountable for lies — will undermine the foundations of democracy," Merkel said.

Thirteen of the 20 laureates attended Tuesday's ceremony, including Polish former leader Lech Walesa and Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Irish rock band U2 were among those absent.

Sandu used the occasion to press for Moldova's EU membership aspirations. "Voting for Europe again and again in face of Russian threats and blackmail — that is merit," she said. "So my plea to you, to EU institutions and member states, is simple. Reward this merit. Let Moldova move forward in its European journey." Moldova has set a goal of joining the bloc by 2028.

The EU already operates under some of the world's most stringent digital regulations, and lawmakers are weighing whether to ban social media access for users below a yet-to-be-determined age — a debate Merkel's remarks are likely to amplify.