EU vs. US: Tech War 💥 Digital Sovereignty Now?

Tech

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EU Faces Critical Dependence on US Big Tech
Rising transatlantic tensions, particularly fueled by Donald Trump’s policies, have exposed Europe’s vulnerability – its heavy reliance on US technology giants. This dependence threatens critical societal services and underscores a long-standing issue of complacency within the European Union.

New Leadership Aims for Digital Sovereignty
In 2024, the European Commission appointed Henna Virkkunen as its first “technology sovereignty, security, and democracy” chief. This appointment signals a decisive shift towards reducing the EU’s reliance on foreign technology and establishing robust digital security policies.

Eurostack: A €300 Billion Gamble
The ambitious Eurostack movement, established in 2024, seeks to construct an independent European digital infrastructure. However, achieving its goals – cutting technological dependence, boosting industry competitiveness, and aligning with sustainability – will require a staggering €300 billion investment, a figure that may prove overly optimistic.

Open-Source Technology: A Key to Innovation
Innovation within Europe’s digital landscape hinges on investment in open-source platforms. These freely available technologies, encompassing both hardware and software, offer governments a toolset to bolster digital sovereignty and resilience, particularly through explicit identification and evaluation of software.

Concrete Alternatives Emerge
Websites like Switch to EU and european-alternatives.eu provide lists of European or “European-friendly” digital substitutes, offering concrete alternatives to US Big Tech giants. Examples include Mastodon as a replacement for X and Proton Mail as an alternative to Gmail, demonstrating a practical approach to shifting consumer habits.

Regional Pioneers Demonstrate the Path
Cities and regions like Helsingborg (Sweden) and Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) are actively demonstrating the feasibility of digital sovereignty. Schleswig-Holstein’s complete replacement of Microsoft systems with open-source alternatives represents a bold step towards near-total independence, highlighting the tangible impact of proactive policy.

This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.