EU Proposes Digital Infrastructure Laws to Boost Independence from US and China
The European Commission has introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at strengthening the European Union's autonomy in the digital infrastructure sector. The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on technology and services originating from the United States and China by prioritizing the development and adoption of European solutions in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data storage.
Central to the new proposal is a strategy to increase the production and use of European semiconductors, which are essential for a wide range of digital services and devices. The Commission also recommends that public institutions across member states--including those in Germany--exercise greater scrutiny when selecting providers for cloud storage, especially when handling sensitive information. The preference is to be given to providers that store data exclusively on European servers, thereby ensuring compliance with EU data protection standards and reducing potential exposure to foreign surveillance or intervention.
The legislative package also outlines measures to support the advancement of Europe's AI industry. Plans include the creation of new AI research and development centers, intended to foster technological innovation and enhance the competitiveness of European companies in this rapidly evolving field. According to the Commission, there is an objective to triple the capacity of European data centers within the next five to seven years, reflecting the anticipated growth in demand for secure and efficient data processing capabilities.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Commission has proposed new rules for public sector entities, including government agencies, law enforcement, and healthcare providers. These organizations would be required to use only those cloud and AI services that guarantee data remains stored within the European Union. While companies from outside the EU may still be recognized as secure providers, the United States is explicitly excluded due to concerns over the broad legal powers of agencies such as the FBI to access data. The proposal also encourages the adoption and support of open-source technology providers, where the underlying software code is publicly accessible and can be independently audited.
The push for greater technological sovereignty comes amid heightened concerns about the security and reliability of foreign-controlled digital infrastructure. Since the administration of former US President Donald Trump, European policymakers have expressed apprehension that critical data connections could be disrupted or manipulated for political purposes. To mitigate such risks, the Commission intends to implement additional security measures, particularly for highly sensitive data, including military information. For these cases, only EU-based providers would have full control over the relevant software and systems.
As part of the broader digital strategy, EU institutions themselves are making adjustments to their own technology use. The European Parliament, for example, has announced that it will switch the default search engine for its members and staff to Qwant, a French-developed platform, moving away from the US-based Google search engine. This decision is intended to further reduce dependence on non-European digital services and reinforce data privacy within the Union's own operations.
The legislative proposals must now be reviewed and approved by the member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect. The plan forms part of a wider effort to position Europe as a global leader in secure, innovative, and sovereign digital infrastructure, safeguarding essential services such as healthcare, energy, and public administration from external dependencies.