Empowering Europe through responsible technology choice: a strategic shift towards sovereign tech

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the choice of solutions we deploy is often seen as a mere technical or corporate-politics decision. However, it is time to rethink this perspective and understand that these choices are deeply political and strategic--far beyond board politics only.

Recent events have shed light on a concerning trend: an excessive reliance on US cloud providers. Ok, "that's not new" will most readers tell me--but, this time, decision makers are more aware of it than ever, and the risks are stronger than ever before. This dependence, fueled by the preference for the familiar and established, has left many European companies and public bodies vulnerable to external influences.

The new Trump administration's stance towards European democracies, characterized by bullying tactics and questionable allegiances, underscores the danger of our excessive reliance on US technology providers. By choosing these providers, we are not only making business decisions but also taking a political stand! In this context, being heavily dependent on US tech giants is a precarious position to be in (to say the least).

Decision-makers across Europe and the Western world must increase their vigilance regarding the choice of technology providers. While it may seem appealing to opt for the "easiest" or most famous option, we must consider additional factors that extend beyond the technical requirements and on-paper features.

Choosing a "sovereign" (or locally-based) flavor of technology is not merely a business strategy; it is a powerful political action. By supporting European providers, we are not only ensuring the security and sovereignty of our own operations but also contributing to the growth and development of the local tech industry.

Europe boasts a rich pool of technology providers, each with their unique strengths and areas for improvement. Encouraging more clients to support these homegrown companies will catalyze innovation and competition, allowing them to finally challenge their American counterparts on equal footing!

The choice of technology is not just about meeting technical requirements or optimizing costs; it's about taking a stand, making strategic decisions, and fulfilling our collective responsibility to empower our friends and neighbors. Let us work towards a future where our choices reflect our values, our democracies, and strengthen our position in the global tech landscape.

A separate discussion worth exploring is the preference for open-source software over proprietary software--a topic for another day. But rest assured, the importance of choosing responsible technology extends far beyond the current debate; it's about shaping our future--digital and beyond--and preserving our independence in an increasingly connected world.