The European Union's digital backbone is woefully reliant on US-based tech giants, leaving the bloc vulnerable to disruptions in services and sovereignty. The bulk of Europe's data is stored on US cloud services, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google dominating the market. Meanwhile, US-based AI pioneers are leading the artificial intelligence boom, further exacerbating the problem.
In response, EU lawmakers are pushing for alternatives to US Big Tech, aiming to reduce dependency and establish digital sovereignty. The European Commission has appointed its first "technology sovereignty, security and democracy" chief, Henna Virkkunen, tasked with reducing reliance on foreign technology and formulating policies that ensure digital security. This is a crucial step towards mitigating the risks of technical issues, geopolitical disputes, or malicious activity.
One initiative gaining traction is the Eurostack movement, which seeks to build an independent European digital infrastructure. Launched in 2024, it aims to boost industry competitiveness, drive innovation, and commit to sustainability goals. However, the project's feasibility has been questioned, with estimates suggesting it will take a decade and €300 billion to achieve its objectives.
French, German, Dutch, and Italian governments are also investing in open-source platforms, which provide a means for governments to modify, review, and share technology. Open-source software is free to use, allowing public sectors to make informed decisions about their digital procurement needs.
Some pioneering projects, such as the Swedish city of Helsingborg's digital blackout testing exercise, are demonstrating the potential for concrete change. The German region of Schleswig-Holstein has taken a significant step by substituting its Microsoft-powered computer systems with open-source alternatives, cancelling almost 80 percent of its Microsoft licenses.
However, experts caution that weaning off US tech entirely is unrealistic and may not be achievable in the near future. A European digital strategy report reviewed by POLITICO acknowledges that untangling from the dominance of US tech companies is "unrealistic" and cooperation will remain significant across the technological value chain.
In conclusion, the EU's reliance on US Big Tech poses a significant risk to its digital sovereignty and services. While efforts to establish alternatives are underway, more work needs to be done to mitigate these risks and ensure that Europe's digital infrastructure is robust and resilient.
In response, EU lawmakers are pushing for alternatives to US Big Tech, aiming to reduce dependency and establish digital sovereignty. The European Commission has appointed its first "technology sovereignty, security and democracy" chief, Henna Virkkunen, tasked with reducing reliance on foreign technology and formulating policies that ensure digital security. This is a crucial step towards mitigating the risks of technical issues, geopolitical disputes, or malicious activity.
One initiative gaining traction is the Eurostack movement, which seeks to build an independent European digital infrastructure. Launched in 2024, it aims to boost industry competitiveness, drive innovation, and commit to sustainability goals. However, the project's feasibility has been questioned, with estimates suggesting it will take a decade and €300 billion to achieve its objectives.
French, German, Dutch, and Italian governments are also investing in open-source platforms, which provide a means for governments to modify, review, and share technology. Open-source software is free to use, allowing public sectors to make informed decisions about their digital procurement needs.
Some pioneering projects, such as the Swedish city of Helsingborg's digital blackout testing exercise, are demonstrating the potential for concrete change. The German region of Schleswig-Holstein has taken a significant step by substituting its Microsoft-powered computer systems with open-source alternatives, cancelling almost 80 percent of its Microsoft licenses.
However, experts caution that weaning off US tech entirely is unrealistic and may not be achievable in the near future. A European digital strategy report reviewed by POLITICO acknowledges that untangling from the dominance of US tech companies is "unrealistic" and cooperation will remain significant across the technological value chain.
In conclusion, the EU's reliance on US Big Tech poses a significant risk to its digital sovereignty and services. While efforts to establish alternatives are underway, more work needs to be done to mitigate these risks and ensure that Europe's digital infrastructure is robust and resilient.
I'm like totally stressing out about the EU's reliance on US-based tech giants 
It's crazy that most of Europe's data is stored on cloud services run by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google 
These big tech firms are basically holding the EU's digital backbone hostage 
And now they're pushing for alternatives? 
That's a major step forward! 
I love that they're investing in open-source platforms 
and Eurostack movement 
It's all about reducing dependency and establishing digital sovereignty 
But, like, it'll take time and effort to make this happen 
€300 billion is a lot of dough 
And, honestly, experts are right – weaning off US tech entirely might not be realistic 
What can the EU do? 
Maybe start by exploring more partnerships with other countries 
or industries 
Who knows? But one thing's for sure – it's time to take back control of our digital lives 
they're actin like havin a few tech giants from usa is gonna bring europe to its knees 
meanwhile, europe's got some crazy fast internet speeds 
. I'm not surprised tho, it's like everyone knows this already 
. It's crazy how much of our data is stored on these American clouds... what if something happens to them? 
I've been saying this for ages, we need to create our own digital infrastructure here in Europe 
. I'm all for the Eurostack movement, it's a good start 
.
! €300 billion in 10 years? Yeah, that might be tough to swallow 
. It's about time someone took a closer look at our digital backbone 
. I mean, who wants their data stored in the lap of the Big Tech giants? 
Not me! 
! 
. I mean, we're talkin' AI powerhouses leadin' the charge, and it's like they forgot their own digital sovereignty 
. The Eurostack movement is cool and all, but €300 billion in 10 years? That's like tryna buy Tesla with euros 
The German region of Schleswig-Holstein's move to ditch Microsoft is a good start, but more needs to be done.
. The EU can't keep gettin' played like a pawn in the global digital game. They need to step up their tech game, and fast 
. No more bein' held hostage by US Big Tech! 
but €300 billion is like, a gazillion dollars lol, how are they even gonna make that happen?!?!
eurostack movement sounds like a solid plan, but €300 billion? that's a lotta money 
. We need to take control of our own digital destiny, not rely on foreign companies' whims 
.
.
... it'll take time and effort to untangle ourselves from those giant tech companies' grasp. Still, I think the EU's taking a step in the right direction with this technology sovereignty initiative 
and build its own digital backbone 
is trying to change this by building its own infrastructure 
because they're so powerful. but like, maybe we can work together with them instead of against each other? 
but seriously it's like the EU is finally waking up and realizing that they can't just rely on someone else for their digital stuff. 
. But, yeah, it's a tough sell to switch away from US Big Tech entirely 
. It's time for the EU to take a stand and create a robust digital infrastructure that doesn't rely on foreign companies 
. Fingers crossed this Eurostack movement takes off 
!
. Open-source platforms are also super important - it's crazy that governments aren't using them more often 
.
. And it's awesome to see Germany taking steps towards a more open-source future 
. We can do this!