Digital sovereignty has become a major strategic challenge for the EU, which remains heavily dependent on non-European players, particularly American hyperscalers. This dependence raises critical questions: data localisation, infrastructure control, applicable jurisdiction, and the protection of sensitive information. Recent geopolitical tensions have only amplified these concerns.
Sovereignty is not an all-or-nothing concept: it must be assessed through a risk matrix that distinguishes critical dependencies, areas where autonomy is essential, and those where interdependence is acceptable. The goal is to ensure the EU’s ability to make decisions independently.
Key avenues for action include:
- public procurement favouring European solutions,
- strengthened support for innovation,
- a clearer and more predictable regulatory framework.
The digital sector could become a major industrial project, but this requires political will, coordination among Member States, and credible purchasing commitments.
Digital sovereignty will never be absolute, but it must be robust enough to guarantee the EU’s technological autonomy. This means clarifying dependencies, building a shared strategic vision, strengthening capabilities, and developing structuring projects.