European Tech Coalition Demands Bold Action for Digital Sovereignty: Prioritize Local Solutions!

In a significant move aimed at enhancing Europe’s technological independence, a diverse coalition from the continent’s tech industry is advocating for decisive action from European Union (EU) lawmakers. Their goal is to reduce reliance on foreign-owned digital infrastructure and services, thereby strengthening the region’s economic resilience and security amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Calls for Action from European Tech Leaders

In an open letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s Digital Chief Henna Virkkunen, over 80 signatories from approximately 100 organizations are urging a re-evaluation of the EU’s current tech support initiatives. They emphasize the need for a focus on promoting homegrown alternatives across various sectors, including applications, platforms, AI models, and critical components like chips and cloud computing.

A Shift Towards Sovereign Digital Infrastructure

The coalition, which includes companies from cloud, telecommunications, and defense sectors, is advocating a transition to what they term “sovereign digital infrastructure.” This initiative calls for a significant reduction in reliance on foreign tech giants by fostering the development of a so-called “Euro Stack.” This strategy was elaborated in a paper by competition economist Cristina Caffarra, published earlier this year.

Recent discussions in various conferences have highlighted the potential for European innovators to leverage the current geopolitical landscape to promote a digital industrial strategy that prioritizes local innovation. This push for a European-first approach has garnered support from notable companies such as Airbus, OVHCloud, and Proton.

Urgent Need for European Digital Sovereignty

The urgency of this call to action has been heightened by comments from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who criticized Europe’s current digital strategies. He highlighted the vulnerability of relying on U.S. tech companies, especially in critical areas like cloud computing, where a single executive order could disrupt services.

Wolfgang Oels, COO of Ecosia, a Berlin-based search engine, poignantly remarked, “Imagine Europe without internet search, email, or office software. It would mean the complete breakdown of our society.” This statement underscores the pressing need for Europe to assert its digital sovereignty.

Proposed Measures for Action

The letter outlines several key recommendations for EU policymakers:

• Implement a “Buy European” mandate: Require public procurement to prioritize local technology solutions to stimulate demand and investment in European tech.
• Encourage pooling and federating: Promote collaboration among European technologists to develop common standards and improve competitive advantages against U.S. hyperscalers.
• Create a Sovereign Infrastructure Fund: Establish a fund to support public investments in critical areas of the tech value chain, such as chips and quantum computing.

Caffarra notes that such procurement requirements are a “no brainer,” arguing that other nations prioritize their local industries and Europe should follow suit.

Fostering Local Innovation and Competition

The coalition emphasizes that the goal is not to exclude non-European players but to create a competitive space for local suppliers. By doing so, the EU can stimulate investment and innovation within the region, ensuring that European technology can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Signatories also advocate for harmonizing requirements for public and private cloud users to adopt “sovereign cloud services,” enhancing data security and protecting against external legal pressures.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the clear recommendations, the coalition faces challenges in changing the current mindset and policies in the EU. The letter urges lawmakers to move beyond top-down approaches and collaborate with industry leaders to create a robust strategy for digital sovereignty.

As the EU navigates these critical decisions, the tech industry coalition remains hopeful that their proposals will lead to meaningful changes that promote European technological independence and resilience.

For more information on this initiative, visit TechCrunch.