Key Points:
- EU warned on foreign tech dependence
- Brussels is tightening cybersecurity & supplier rules
- Investing in chips, AI, and computing
The European Union is entering what senior officials describe as a defining moment in its technological future, as concerns mount over the bloc’s growing reliance on foreign technology providers. European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen has cautioned that Europe’s dependence on non-EU companies for critical digital infrastructure poses long-term economic and security risks, particularly amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Henna Virkkunen, who oversees the EU’s agenda on technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, stressed that technology dependence has moved beyond commercial considerations. She warned that foreign control over key digital systems, including cloud services, telecommunications networks, advanced computing, and artificial intelligence, could be exploited as a strategic vulnerability. The remarks underscore rising unease in Brussels that Europe lacks sufficient control over the digital foundations supporting its economy, public institutions, and democratic processes.
Despite being one of the world’s largest markets, the EU remains structurally reliant on technology developed and operated outside its borders, mainly by companies based in the United States and China. This imbalance has intensified debates around data protection, supply-chain resilience, and the bloc’s ability to respond effectively to geopolitical pressure.
Brussels Moves to Curb Strategic Tech Risks
In response to these concerns, the European Commission is stepping up efforts to reduce technological dependencies in sectors considered critical to security and economic stability. Policy proposals under discussion include stronger cybersecurity requirements, enhanced scrutiny of technology suppliers, and new tools to assess risks associated with third-country vendors.
A central focus of the strategy is limiting the use of technology from suppliers viewed as high-risk, particularly in areas such as telecommunications infrastructure, cloud services, energy-related digital systems, and advanced hardware. EU officials argue that unchecked reliance on external providers leaves the bloc vulnerable to disruption, surveillance, and potential coercion during international crises.
The Commission is also working to reinforce cybersecurity certification standards across the digital ecosystem, aiming to ensure that products and services deployed within the EU meet consistent security and trust benchmarks. These measures are intended to strengthen the resilience of the digital single market while boosting confidence among businesses and consumers.
Pursuing Autonomy Without Cutting Global Ties
The EU’s push for greater technological autonomy is unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying global competition in digital innovation. While European leaders continue to emphasize cooperation with international partners, there is a growing consensus that over-dependence on external technology suppliers undermines long-term strategic interests.
To close the gap, the bloc is increasing investment in homegrown capabilities, including semiconductor production, artificial intelligence development, and next-generation computing infrastructure. These initiatives aim to reinforce Europe’s industrial base and reduce exposure to external shocks.
Henna Virkkunen’s warning reflects a broader shift in EU policy thinking: technological sovereignty is now seen as essential to economic security, democratic resilience, and global competitiveness. As geopolitical tensions reshape the digital landscape, Europe faces mounting pressure to transform political ambition into tangible technological capacity, a challenge that will define the EU’s digital future.
