Get Over Your X: A European Plan to Escape American Technology
By Giorgos Verdi, Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
December 10, 2025
In recent years, Europe’s increasing reliance on American technology firms has raised significant concerns about digital sovereignty and geopolitical vulnerabilities. The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) highlights the pressing need for the European Union (EU) to reduce its dependency on foreign tech giants—particularly those based in the United States—through a strategic initiative aimed at building its own independent digital infrastructure, dubbed the “EuroStack.”
The Growing Problem of Technological Dependence
Europe’s digital environment is deeply intertwined with American technology. Three giant US companies currently supply about 70% of Europe’s cloud computing infrastructure. Furthermore, American firms dominate smartphone operating systems, with platforms like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android pervading the continent. In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), OpenAI’s ChatGPT has become synonymous with cutting-edge AI applications, while Nvidia commands a near-monopoly on the supply of AI chips critical to Europe’s technological development.
Beyond consumer technology, American firms such as SpaceX’s Starlink have near-exclusive control over satellite internet services in Europe, essential for modern communications and defense. Social media platforms, which serve as digital public squares for European citizens, are overwhelmingly controlled by US companies like Meta and X (formerly Twitter).
The Political Risks of Dependency
This reliance on American technology is not merely an economic or technical issue; it has become a geopolitical challenge. Former President Donald Trump’s tenure demonstrated a willingness to weaponize technological dependencies for strategic leverage, using digital services and technology exports as tools of coercion.
In a hypothetical scenario projected for November 2026, ECFR imagines Trump signing an executive order granting broad powers to restrict access to American digital services for foreign users, including allies. Such actions, justified as national security measures, would severely disrupt the EU’s digital infrastructure and economic activities. These measures could include limiting access to AI applications, cloud computing, or even military software vital to European security.
Moreover, in early 2027, sanctions linked to “suppression of free speech abroad” result in the suspension of US digital services for certain individuals targeted by American sanctions. Additionally, tightened export controls on advanced AI chips require individual licensing agreements, potentially stalling European gigafactory projects essential for semiconductor production.
The Trump administration also signals opposition to the European Commission’s hefty fines against Meta and Apple, countering with legal protections for American companies refusing to comply with EU digital regulations.
A Persistent Challenge Beyond Trump
While some may hope that a change in US leadership could ease these tensions, the ECFR argues that such geopolitical tech struggles transcend individual administrations. For example, President Joe Biden’s recent “AI diffusion rule” limits the number of advanced AI chips that several countries, including EU nations, can import, creating shortages without negotiating reciprocal agreements.
America’s ability to impose qualitative restrictions on technology — such as shipping downgraded military jets or restricting access to advanced chips — presents a continuing risk. This approach demonstrates that potential future US administrations might continue to weaponize technological dependencies for strategic purposes.
Building the “EuroStack”: Europe’s Path to Digital Sovereignty
The European solution is not to build an entirely new, isolated technology ecosystem but to develop “just enough” independent capacity in critical areas to prevent exploitation. The ECFR suggests focusing efforts on four strategic sectors where dependencies are most acute:
- Space Technology: Reducing reliance on US satellite internet services like Starlink.
- Semiconductors: Boosting European production capabilities of AI chips and other critical components.
- Cloud Computing: Establishing independent cloud infrastructures to support data sovereignty.
- Artificial Intelligence: Developing homegrown AI applications and regulatory frameworks to foster innovation under European values.
This “EuroStack” is envisioned as a shield that allows the EU to maintain control over its digital autonomy, mitigating the risk of being disadvantaged or coerced in geopolitical crises.
Navigating Challenges and Concessions
Implementing such a plan will undoubtedly provoke pushback from US technology firms and political actors. Europe must be prepared for a potential American backlash, including legal challenges and trade pressures.
However, the ECFR advocates that Europe can strategically negotiate concessions to balance economic interests with its long-term goal of sovereignty. By keeping its focus on establishing critical technological capabilities and reducing dependencies, the EU can secure its digital future against an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Conclusion
Europe’s deep interdependence on American technology presents both economic benefits and strategic vulnerabilities. The ECFR’s analysis underscores the urgency of rethinking this relationship and investing in building a robust, independent digital infrastructure.
A “EuroStack” is not just about technology; it is a prerequisite for safeguarding European digital sovereignty, ensuring the continent’s ability to define its own policies, protect its citizens, and compete effectively on the global stage. Achieving this will require concerted effort, innovation, and strategic diplomacy — a vital endeavor in an era where technology is inextricably linked to geopolitics.
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