Should Europe wean itself off US tech?
tech.yahoo.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 7:21:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns, U.S.–China Relations, U.S.–NATO Relations
Imagine if US President Donald Trump could flip a switch and turn off Europe's internet.
It may sound far-fetched, crazy even. But it's a scenario that has been seriously discussed in tech industry and policy circles in recent months, as tensions with Washington have escalated, and concerns about the EU's reliance on American technology have come to the fore.
At the root of these concerns is the fact just three US giants - Google, Microsoft and Amazon - provide 70% of Europe's cloud-computing infrastructure, the scaffolding on which many online services depend.
And some question whether an unpredictable US leader would weaponize the situation if relations seriously deteriorated - for example, by ordering those companies to turn off their services in Europe.
"Critical data would become inaccessible, websites would go dark, and essential state services like hospital IT systems would be thrown into chaos," says Robin Berjon, a digital governance specialist who advises EU policymakers.
He believes that concerns over a so called US "kill switch" should be taken seriously. "It's hard to say how much trouble we would be in."
Microsoft, Google and Amazon all say they offer "sovereign" cloud computing solutions that safeguard EU clients' data, and would prevent such a scenario ever occurring. The BBC has contacted the US Treasury department for comment.
In truth, there have always been concerns about the lack of "digital sovereignty" in Europe, where US firms not only dominate the cloud-computing market, but also hardware, satellite internet and now artificial intelligence.
Even the region's main mobile operating systems - Apple and Android - and payment networks - Mastercard and Visa - are American.
Those fears became urgent in May when it emerged that Karim Khan, the top prosecutor at the Netherlands-based International Criminal Court (ICC), had lost access to his Microsoft Outlook email account after being sanctioned by the White House.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their roles in the Israel-Gaza war - something Mr Trump called "illegitimate".
Khan has since temporarily stepped aside until a sexual misconduct probe against him is concluded.
Microsoft says that "at no point" did it cease or suspend its services to the ICC, although it was in touch with the ICC "throughout the process that resulted in the disconnection".
Since then digital sovereignty has shot up the agenda in Brussels, while some public bodies are already seeking alternatives to US providers.
But is it realistic to think they could wean themselves off US technology?
Digital sovereignty is loosely defined as the ability of a governing body to control the data and technology systems within its borders.
One problem faced by those pursuing it is the lack of comparable alternatives.
Europe does have its own providers, such as France's OVHCloud, or Germany's Germany's T-Systems or Delos, in cloud computing.
But they account for a fraction of the market, and don't have the same scale or range of capabilities, says Dario Maisto, a senior analyst covering digital sovereignty at global business consultancy Forrester.
Similarly, open-source alternatives are available for common software packages like Office and Windows, but while proponents say they are more transparent and accessible, none is as comprehensive or well known.
But while moving to sovereign alternatives wouldn't "happen overnight", it's a "myth" to think it's not possible, says Mr Maisto.
He notes that the German state of Schleswig-Holstein is currently in the process of phasing out Microsoft products like Office 365 and Windows in favour of open-source solutions such as LibreOffice and Linux. Denmark's Ministry for Digitalisation is piloting a similar scheme.
"We sometimes overvalue the role of proprietary software in our organisations," Mr Maisto says, pointing out that for key services like word processing and email, open-source solutions work just fine.
"The main reasons organisations don't use open source are a lack of awareness and misplaced fears about cyber security," he adds.
"Our prediction is in the next five to 10 years, there will be an accelerated shift [to these solutions] because of this wake-up call."
Benjamin Revcolevschi, boss of OVHCloud, tells the BBC that firms like his are ready to answer the sovereignty needs of public and private organisations in Europe.
"Only European cloud providers, whose headquarters are in the EU and with European governance, are able to offer immunity to non-European laws, to protect sensitive and personal data," he says.
But Microsoft, Amazon and Google say they already offer solutions that address concerns about digital sovereignty, solutions which store data on severs in the clients' country or region, not in the US.
Google tells the BBC that it also partners with trusted local EU suppliers like T-Systems, granting them control over the encryption of client data, and giving customers "a technical veto over their data". The German Army is one of its clients.
Meanwhile, Microsoft president Brad Smith has promised the firm would take legal action in the "exceedingly unlikely" event the US government ordered it to suspend services, and that it would include a clause in European contracts to that effect.
"We will continue to look for new ways to ensure the European Commission and our European customers have the options and assurances they need to operate with confidence," a Microsoft spokesman told the BBC.
Zach Meyers, from the Brussels-based Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE) think tank, says it might make sense for Europe to develop its own limited sovereign cloud to protect critical government data.
But he adds that it's unrealistic to try to "get Americans out of the supply chain, or to ensure that there's Europeans in the supply chain at each point".
He points to Gaia X - a scheme launched in 2020 to create a European-based alternative to large, centralised cloud platforms, which has faced significant criticism and delays.
"A lot of these [tech] markets are winner takes all, so once you're the first mover it's really hard for anyone else to catch up."
Instead, Mr Meyers thinks Europe should focus on areas of technology where it might gain an edge.
"It could be the industrial use of AI, because Europe already has a much bigger, stronger industrial base than the US has," he says. "Or the next generation of chipmaking equipment, because one of the few areas where Europe has foothold is in photolithography - the machines that make the really top-end chips."
So where does the digital sovereignty agenda go from here?
Some believe nothing will change unless Europe brings in new regulations that force regional organisations and governments to buy local technology. But according to Mr Berjon, the EU has been dragging its feet.
"There is definitely political interest, but it's a question of turning it into a shared strategy."
Matthias Bauer, director at the European Centre for International Political Economy, thinks the goal should be building up Europe's technology sector so it can compete with the US and China.
In a report on EU competitiveness in 2024, Mario Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank, noted Europe is "severely lagging behind" in new technologies, and that "only four of the world's top 50 tech companies are European".
"It's currently much harder for a tech company based in the EU to scale across the bloc than it would be for the same company in the US," Mr Bauer says.
"You not only face different languages, but different contract law, labour market laws, tax laws, and also different sector-specific regulation."
As for the theory that President Trump might flip a "kill switch" and turn off Europe's internet, he's highly sceptical.
"It would be a realistic scenario if we were close to a war, but I don't see that on the horizon."
Yet Mr Maisto says organisations must take the risk seriously, however remote.
"Two years ago, we didn't think we would be talking about these topics in these terms in 2025. Now organisations want to get ready for what might happen."
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Sign Our PetitionThe ongoing discourse surrounding Europe’s dependency on US technology companies highlights a critical intersection of geopolitics, digital sovereignty, and social justice, reflecting deeper historical tensions regarding autonomy and self-determination. Central to the current conversation is the alarming statistic that approximately 70% of Europe’s cloud-computing infrastructure is dominated by three American companies: Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. This overwhelming reliance not only poses significant risks to data security and national sovereignty but also illuminates a broader pattern of economic imperialism characteristic of the neoliberal global order that has flourished since the late 20th century. Recognizing these dynamics is essential as we navigate the implications for privacy, digital rights, and the future of technology governance.
The notion of a “kill switch” wielded by the US government is not merely a speculative fear but a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that accompany technological subservience. The case of Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), who lost access to his Microsoft account due to US sanctions, underscores the chilling consequences of this dependency. It illustrates how geopolitical conflicts can directly impact the operations of international bodies and disrupt critical services. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of global governance structures when intertwined with corporate interests and state power. The implications of such a scenario extend beyond immediate logistical concerns; they raise fundamental questions about the integrity of international law and the ability of global institutions to function independently in a world dominated by a few powerful entities.
Historically, Europe has grappled with issues of sovereignty in various forms, from colonial rule to economic dependency on external powers. The current reliance on American technological infrastructure is a modern manifestation of this long-standing struggle. In the aftermath of World War II, European nations sought to rebuild their economies and foster greater independence through collective action, leading to the formation of what eventually became the European Union (EU). However, the EU’s ambition to create a unified digital market has been hampered by the outsized influence of American corporations, illustrating how the very neoliberal policies that were meant to promote growth have inadvertently reinforced patterns of dependency. The challenge now lies in reclaiming digital sovereignty to ensure that technological advancements serve the broader public good rather than the interests of a select few.
The movement towards digital sovereignty is not merely a technological issue; it’s a social justice issue, too. The dominance of US tech giants in Europe can exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly in terms of access to technology, data privacy, and control over personal information. When a handful of corporations dictate the terms of digital engagement, they simultaneously dictate the terms of social interaction, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange. There is an urgent need for European nations to develop their own technological infrastructures that prioritize ethical standards, privacy, and equitable access. Such a shift would not only empower individuals and communities but also foster a more inclusive digital economy that reflects diverse values and interests.
The path toward achieving digital sovereignty is fraught with challenges, including the need for investment in homegrown alternatives and the development of regulatory frameworks that prioritize public interest over corporate profit. While companies like OVHCloud and T-Systems represent potential alternatives, their capacity to compete with entrenched US giants remains questionable without substantial public support and investment. Additionally, the EU must cultivate a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding civil liberties. By framing digital sovereignty as a fundamental aspect of social justice, European policymakers can galvanize public support for necessary reforms and investments, ultimately reshaping the technological landscape to better serve the collective needs of society. Engaging with this issue will not only empower Europe but also send a potent message about the importance of autonomy in a rapidly evolving digital age.
The rising discourse surrounding Europe’s reliance on U.S. technology firms underscores a pivotal moment in the ongoing global struggle for digital sovereignty. The article raises vital concerns about the implications of allowing a handful of American companies—namely Google, Microsoft, and Amazon—to dominate Europe’s cloud infrastructure, a scenario that could have dire ramifications for critical public services and personal privacy. This situation reveals the stark vulnerability of a continent that relies heavily on foreign technology, leaving it susceptible to potential political whims from Washington. Historical context is essential here; since the inception of the internet, the U.S. has maintained significant control over digital infrastructure, with companies often prioritizing profit over the public good, resulting in an imbalance that affects democratic processes and civil liberties worldwide.
As the article illustrates, the alarming possibility of a “kill switch” being utilized by the U.S. government highlights the urgent need for European nations to bolster their digital sovereignty. The situation surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the subsequent loss of access to Microsoft services for its top prosecutor exemplifies the precarious nature of this dependence. The implications of a foreign power wielding control over essential services extend beyond corporate interests; they touch on national security, human rights, and the integrity of international law. This moment calls for a reassessment of how we approach technology policy and international relations, particularly in fostering a sense of resilience against external pressures from powerful nations.
What can be done, then, to address this crucial issue? First and foremost, advocates for digital sovereignty must push for significant investment in local technology firms and infrastructure. European nations should prioritize funding for homegrown providers, ensuring they can compete with U.S. giants on a level playing field. Initiatives like the European Union’s Digital Compass, which aims to enhance digital infrastructure and capabilities by 2030, should be supported and expanded. By fostering innovation and investing in research and development, Europe can cultivate a robust digital ecosystem that prioritizes user privacy and data protection as core values rather than afterthoughts. Moreover, collaboration among European nations to create standardized regulations and frameworks for digital services can pave the way for a more cohesive approach to digital sovereignty.
Furthermore, public awareness and education are critical in this effort. Citizens must be informed about the implications of relying on foreign technology and the importance of supporting local alternatives. Engaging in grassroots campaigns to promote digital literacy can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their technology use and advocate for policies that prioritize sovereignty and security. Moreover, discussions about data protection and privacy should be at the forefront of public discourse, creating pressure on policymakers to enact legislation that safeguards these rights. This educational push can also include outreach to right-wing constituents, framing the conversation around national security, economic independence, and the importance of protecting local jobs in the tech sector.
In the long term, Europe’s pursuit of digital sovereignty is not only about reducing reliance on U.S. technology but also about reimagining a digital landscape that serves the public interest rather than corporate greed. Advocates should push for policies that emphasize ethical technology use, privacy rights, and equitable access to digital resources. This can include the establishment of rigorous data protection laws that hold tech companies accountable for breaches and misuse of information. By creating a digital environment that prioritizes the needs of citizens over profit, Europe can challenge the dominance of U.S. firms and cultivate a tech ecosystem that reflects its values.
In conclusion, the necessity for Europe to wean itself off U.S. technology is underscored by the increasing risks associated with digital dependence. As we reflect on the historical context and current geopolitical dynamics, it is imperative that action is taken to foster local alternatives, educate the public, and advocate for robust data protection measures. By doing so, Europe can reclaim control over its digital infrastructure, ensuring that technology serves the interests of its citizens and upholds democratic values. The time for proactive measures is now; the future of Europe’s digital sovereignty hinges on the choices made today.
The article raises significant concerns about Europe’s reliance on American technology giants for critical digital infrastructure. This context presents an opportunity for individuals and communities to advocate for digital sovereignty and support local technology initiatives. Here are some actions we can take to address this issue:
### Personal Actions to Support Digital Sovereignty in Europe
1. **Educate Ourselves and Others:** - Take time to read and share articles about digital sovereignty and the implications of reliance on US tech companies. - Host or attend community discussions or webinars to raise awareness about the importance of digital independence and local tech solutions.
2. **Support Local Tech Alternatives:** - Choose to use European cloud services such as OVHCloud or T-Systems when available and appropriate. - Encourage local businesses to consider European alternatives for their tech needs.
3. **Sign Petitions:** - Look for petitions advocating for digital sovereignty and support for local tech companies. Websites like Change.org or local activism platforms often have relevant petitions. - Example Petition: Search for petitions that call for the EU to invest in and support homegrown tech companies to reduce dependence on US firms.
4. **Contact Policymakers:** - Write to your local and European representatives to express your concerns about digital sovereignty. - **Who to Write To:** - European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen - Email: contact@ec.europa.eu - Mailing Address: Rue de la Loi 200, 1049 Brussels, Belgium - Your local Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) - Find your MEP: [European Parliament MEP Finder](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/members/en/home) - Local government representatives who can influence tech policy.
5. **What to Say:** - Express your concern about the reliance on US technology and the potential risks it poses. - Advocate for policies that encourage European tech innovation and investment. - Suggest specific actions like supporting funding for European tech startups or initiatives aimed at enhancing digital sovereignty.
6. **Participate in Local Tech Initiatives:** - Get involved with or support local tech meetups or incubators that focus on developing alternative technologies. - Volunteer your time or skills to organizations that promote digital sovereignty.
7. **Promote Open-Source Solutions:** - Advocate for the adoption of open-source software in your community, which can reduce dependency on proprietary tech solutions. - Share resources and host workshops on how to use and contribute to open-source projects.
8. **Engage in Online Campaigns:** - Join online movements using social media platforms to raise awareness about the issue and mobilize others. - Use hashtags related to digital sovereignty and share information that promotes European tech initiatives.
9. **Support Tech Policy Organizations:** - Donate or volunteer with organizations that are working towards policy change for digital sovereignty in Europe, such as "Digital Rights Ireland" or "Bits of Freedom." - Contact them to ask about how you can help. For example: - Digital Rights Ireland - Email: info@digitalrights.ie - Mailing Address: 23 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin D07 T8X3, Ireland
10. **Follow and Support Legislative Efforts:** - Keep informed about legislation related to tech sovereignty in your country and EU-wide. - Attend town hall meetings or public forums where these issues are discussed, and voice your support for strong digital policies.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a collective effort to increase Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on US tech giants, fostering a more independent and resilient digital landscape.