In a bold shift, the European Union is contemplating a major overhaul of its digital dependencies as President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff tactics strain transatlantic ties. Trump’s return to the White House has reignited tensions, with his demands for favorable trade deals echoing through global corridors. Countries worldwide, led by the EU, are now seriously weighing options to lessen their reliance on American technology giants.
The digital backbone of modern life hinges heavily on US-based frameworks. From cloud storage to AI innovations, companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google dominate Europe’s market, controlling over two-thirds of the cloud sector. OpenAI and Anthropic lead the AI race, leaving Europe vulnerable to any disruptions in this ecosystem.
Trump’s persistent pressure, including repeated overtures for Greenland and tariff warnings, has forced the EU to reassess its longstanding partnership with the US. A European Parliament report reveals stark figures: the bloc depends on non-EU nations for more than 80% of its digital products, services, infrastructure, and intellectual property.
EU lawmakers are pushing for diversification. They’re advocating alternatives to giants like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, favoring homegrown solutions or other sources. Johan Lingár, senior researcher at Sweden’s RISE Research Institute and assistant professor at Lund University, attributes this vulnerability to decades of complacency.
‘Public sectors and governments have suffered from a comfort syndrome,’ Lingár explains. ‘Conservative procurement cultures, risk aversion, and a preference for the status quo have prevailed. Now, geopolitical risks add a new layer beyond innovation gaps and rising license costs.’
Building a sovereign ‘Eurostack’ won’t be cheap or quick. Think tank Bertelsmann Stiftung estimates a decade-long effort costing around 300 billion euros. A more cautious projection from the US-based Chamber of Progress, representing major tech firms, pegs the total at over 5 trillion euros.
As Trump’s pressure politics intensify, the EU’s quest for tech independence signals a new era in global digital power dynamics, potentially reshaping alliances and innovations for years to come.
