**THE HACK: Brussels' Tech Crowd Shivers after Musk Attacks**

Brussels is known for its charm, from the Grand Place to the European Parliament building. But yesterday, the city's tech community was left reeling as Tesla CEO Elon Musk unleashed a series of scathing tweets targeting the EU's approach to electric vehicles and clean energy.

The attack came just hours before a crucial meeting between EU officials and industry representatives to discuss the bloc's ambitious plans for a carbon-neutral economy. The meeting, which aimed to galvanize support for the European Green Deal, was meant to be a major breakthrough in Brussels' efforts to drive innovation and reduce emissions.

However, Musk's tweets – which appeared to take aim at the EU's regulatory framework and what he deemed as overly restrictive policies on electric vehicles – left many in the tech crowd shaken. "It's not just about the tweets themselves," said a European Commission official, who wished to remain anonymous. "The fact that Musk would speak out like this so publicly sends shockwaves through the community."

Musk's tirade against Brussels has sparked debate among industry insiders and experts about the implications for the EU's relationship with Silicon Valley. Some argue that the attack will further polarize the tech world, pitting innovators like Musk against regulators who are trying to balance progress with environmental concerns.

But others see it as a wake-up call for the Commission to revisit its approach to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. "We can't just talk about innovation without creating an environment that allows companies to thrive," said Margarete Hofmann, a Brussels-based tech policy expert. "Musk's tweets are a reminder of the need for more regulatory clarity and a streamlined process for bringing new ideas to market."

As tensions simmer between Musk and Brussels, one thing is clear: the EU's pursuit of a carbon-neutral economy will not be without its challenges – or controversy. As industry leaders continue to grapple with the implications of Musk's tweets, Euractiv Pro readers can stay ahead of the curve with in-depth analysis and expert insights on all things tech and policy.

**Get exclusive access to Euractiv Pro and uncover the stories behind the headlines. Upgrade your subscription today!**