Full Breakdown
Europe’s Push for Technological Independence
1/28/2026, 12:03:16 AM
Alarm Over Foreign Technology Dependence
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s vice president, recently highlighted Europe’s growing dependence on foreign technology, emphasizing the need for the continent to achieve greater technological sovereignty. Speaking at a POLITICO event, Virkkunen stated, “it’s very clear that Europe is having our independence moment,” reflecting on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which exposed vulnerabilities in Europe’s technological landscape.
Virkkunen did not specifically name the United States as a partner from which the EU needs to reduce reliance, but she acknowledged the importance of diversifying technological partnerships. She noted that while the U.S. remains a key ally, it is crucial for Europe’s competitiveness and security to develop its own technological capabilities. “We should use public procurement... to boost our own growing technologies in the European Union,” she stated, advocating for initiatives like the “Buy European” plan, which aims to direct substantial procurement contracts to EU businesses.
Legislative Initiatives for Tech Sovereignty
Virkkunen is overseeing a legislative package aimed at promoting tech sovereignty, which is expected to be unveiled in the spring. This package will address critical sectors such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing—areas where Europe currently lags behind global competitors. She emphasized the importance of semiconductor chips, stating, “chips are very much a pre-condition for any other technologies,” underscoring the need for Europe to enhance its design and manufacturing capabilities in this sector.
Broader Implications of Technological Independence
The push for technological independence is not merely an economic strategy but also a matter of security. Virkkunen warned that reliance on foreign technology “can be weaponized against us,” highlighting the potential risks associated with dependency on external sources for critical technologies. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the EU regarding the implications of foreign influence on its technological infrastructure.
Criticism and Opposition
While the call for increased technological sovereignty has garnered support, it has also faced criticism. Some experts argue that an overly protectionist approach could stifle innovation and collaboration with international partners. Critics caution that focusing solely on domestic capabilities may lead to inefficiencies and higher costs, potentially hindering Europe’s competitiveness in the global market.
What's Next
As the European Commission prepares to release its Industrial Accelerator Act, which has faced multiple delays, the focus will be on how effectively it can stimulate the growth of European technology companies. The upcoming legislation will be crucial in determining the future landscape of technology in Europe and its ability to reduce dependency on foreign entities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “it’s very clear that Europe is having our independence moment.” — Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Vice President
- “We should use public procurement, of course, much more actively also to boost our own growing technologies in the European Union,” — Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Vice President
- “chips are very much a pre-condition for any other technologies.” — Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Vice President
- “Relying on foreign tech “can be weaponized against us,” says Commission’s Henna Virkkunen.” — Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Vice President
