European tech companies have called on the European Commission to urgently support technological independence across the continent. Nearly a hundred businesses, including Sweden-based Cleura, Iver, Redpill Linpro, and Safespring, signed an open letter addressed directly to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Strategic Digital Autonomy Needed Urgently
The letter emphasizes Europe’s heavy reliance on technology provided by major international corporations—particularly American tech giants. Johan Christenson, founder of Cleura and Chief Technical Officer at Iver, clarified that the intention isn’t to exclude American or Chinese companies. Instead, it’s about restoring a balance and reducing vulnerabilities.
Christenson compared Europe’s reliance on foreign technology to “high blood pressure,” emphasizing how gradually it has developed over decades. Historically, the industry defaulted to familiar, globally dominant brands rather than supporting European alternatives.
Multiple Dependencies Threaten Europe’s Security
The tech industry’s open letter points out that Europe faces multiple critical dependencies. This affects not only software applications, platforms, and AI frameworks but also essential physical infrastructure like chip manufacturing, data storage, connectivity, and cloud services.
Such dependencies introduce significant security risks and threaten Europe’s sovereignty and economic growth. The companies argue that strategic autonomy must be restored rapidly to ensure resilience across Europe’s digital infrastructure.
Vendor Lock-in Creates Economic Risks
One significant issue highlighted by Christenson is the widespread vendor lock-in effect. Organizations frequently select technologies because they’re already widely adopted, enhancing convenience but restricting future options. Such lock-in leaves companies exposed to sudden price increases, negatively impacting budgets and competitiveness.
Christenson also noted practical compatibility issues, such as document interoperability, which further underscores Europe’s dependency.
Digital Infrastructure Essential for National Security
According to Christenson, Europe’s dependency also affects national security. Although considerable resources are allocated for military hardware, underlying digital infrastructure—such as secure servers and cloud computing—is often overlooked. He stresses that securing infrastructure is just as vital as purchasing new defense equipment.
Need for Political Understanding and Cooperation
Christenson advocates greater political engagement with technology firms. He argues that European and Swedish policymakers currently underestimate digital infrastructure’s critical importance. For Europe to remain competitive globally—particularly in AI—politicians must understand and invest in robust European infrastructure.
Christenson emphasizes that the industry’s call for digital autonomy isn’t merely a matter of business interests. Instead, it’s crucial for Europe’s long-term economic competitiveness and national security.
