Digital Sovereignty: How the EU Obscures Free Software

European leaders convened at a digital summit in mid-November to discuss "digital sovereignty," emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on foreign tech. The summit, co-hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighted a consensus on decreasing dependence on both US and Chinese technology, primarily through promoting European-made solutions. However, the focus on "buying European" overlooks a critical aspect: the role of open-source software. A key development is Denmark's move to become independent of Microsoft, as reported by the Danish newspaper Politiken. This decision was influenced by the political actions of US President Donald Trump, particularly his stance on Greenland. The US's use of technological leverage has been demonstrated by the restrictions placed on French International Criminal Court judge Nicolas Guillou, who has been denied access to services from US tech firms like Microsoft and Google, due to sanctions. The summit's emphasis on digital sovereignty also involved calls for deregulation to foster competitiveness and innovation within Europe. Macron expressed confidence in Europe's potential to lead in the digital age, suggesting that the European Union and its member states are considering changes to existing digital laws. This approach is intended to boost European competitiveness in the tech sector, yet it does not give open-source software adequate consideration. The summit's outcomes point to the European Union's evolving strategy to navigate the complex digital landscape and assert its technological autonomy. The focus on “buying European” and deregulation indicates a broader effort to strengthen the continent's digital capabilities and reduce reliance on external tech giants. Further developments will likely address how open-source solutions can be integrated into this strategy.