Germany Urges Stronger EU Digital Infrastructure, Advocates for Digital Sovereignty Without Full US Tech Break

Germany's Vision for European Digital Sovereignty

Germany has publicly advocated for a significant strengthening of the European Union's digital infrastructure, emphasizing the goal of achieving 'digital sovereignty' without pursuing a complete severance of ties with US technology providers. This position was articulated by Karsten Wildberger, Germany's digital minister, in recent statements. Wildberger underscored the necessity for Europe to become an active participant in the technology sector, rather than remaining solely a consumer of services dominated by foreign entities.

The push for digital sovereignty stems from a desire to gain greater control over data storage and infrastructure operations within the EU. This ambition is not new, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz having previously stated in 2022, 'We must strengthen our digital sovereignty.' The sentiment is echoed across Europe, driven by concerns over geopolitical tensions, growing cyber threats, and the dominance of non-European tech firms.

Balancing Independence with Global Cooperation

While the objective is to reduce reliance on major US hyperscalers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, Germany's approach is not one of isolation. Wildberger explicitly stated that 'Digital sovereignty doesn't mean protectionism. We want to and must be accessible for the global market.' He acknowledged that US companies still lead in several core areas, particularly in artificial intelligence, making continued cooperation essential for Europe's own business models and innovation.

This nuanced stance reflects a pragmatic recognition of the current technological landscape. Despite efforts to foster European alternatives, a 2026 Forrester prediction indicated that Europe would still depend on US hyperscalers. The German government aims to enable companies to choose between alternatives, ensuring control over where data is stored and who operates the infrastructure.

Strategic Investments and European Initiatives

To bolster its digital capabilities, Germany has outlined several strategic initiatives and investments. The country's Digital Strategy, adopted in August 2022 and updated in April 2023, along with the Gigabit Strategy from 2022, prioritizes nationwide fiber optic and 5G network expansion by 2030. Significant funding, including €1.3 billion from the European Commission for AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills, is being allocated to strengthen Europe's technological base.

Germany also highlights the emergence of European leaders in technology, such as Mistral AI, DeepL, and Aleph Alpha, as evidence of the continent's competitive potential. Furthermore, Germany has been a key driver in shaping EU digital regulations, including the Data Governance Act (DGA), Data Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), and Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aim to safeguard data protection, promote fair competition, and ensure transparency.

Towards a Resilient Digital Future

Germany's commitment to strengthening EU digital infrastructure is part of a broader vision for a sovereign, resilient, and interoperable European digital future. This involves rethinking the entire supply chain, from rare earths and chip design to servers and cables. The focus is on creating an ecosystem where European companies can thrive, innovate, and compete globally, ensuring that Europe acts as a player in the digital realm rather than remaining a passive customer.