Production: By Europod, in partnership with Sphera Network.

EUobserver maintains an editorial collaboration with Europod to jointly release the podcast series “Briefed” presented by Léa Marchal. The series appears on all leading platforms.

Access the complete transcript here:

In technology, European nations seek to end reliance on outsiders. They grow ready to curb US tech firms in vital fields.

How might the fresh EU tech independence measures alarm Americans?

“At present, the EU depends on non-EU suppliers for more than 80 percent of digital goods, services and systems. This creates major risks for supply security and carries wide economic effects.”

The EU requires a change in approach. EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen delivered this point at the launch of the EU Tech Sovereignty Package.

The bloc seeks stronger oversight of key digital technologies including AI, cloud computing and semiconductors, fields now led by the US and China.

Such reliance brings issues. One clear risk: US officials can order American cloud firms to release stored data even when held in Europe. This affects numerous EU public bodies that use those services.

What does the EU offer as a fix?

A package of steps aimed at reducing the dominance of Google and similar giants.

The method involves security rules for cloud services in select cases that favor EU-based suppliers.

American cloud providers could lose access to certain public contracts if they fail the new EU security tests.

This applies only to sensitive sectors such as healthcare and defense, yet it signals a firm Commission commitment.

The commission further calls for wider use of open-source tools in AI, cybersecurity and semiconductors.

Open source allows public inspection, use and change of software code.

Developers can therefore extend existing code to build new options and support alternative suppliers.

The EU plans to back this shift by aiding open-source startups, funding training and urging public bodies to favor open-source options in purchases.

Open Forum Europe views this as a key turning point in European digital policy.

The group notes that open-source software resists foreign shutdowns or limits, helping Europe reduce outside dependencies.

Critics have also spoken out.

The Computer and Communications Industry Association, which counts Google, Apple and Amazon among its members, voiced opposition to the package.

The group called the plan protectionist and warned it would leave EU users with fewer digital choices.

In recent months the US president has already charged the EU with bias against American firms such as Apple, Meta and Google, which received fines under EU rules.

The United States will almost certainly resist again and work to soften parts of the proposals before final adoption.