EU digital sovereignty efforts face challenges from US funding

The European Union aims to triple its data capacity to bolster ‘digital sovereignty’ and reduce dependence on non-EU nations, particularly the United States. However, research by the Foundation for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) suggests a contradiction in this goal: most new data centers in the EU are being financed by American investors and serve American technology companies.

To accelerate this expansion, the EU is proposing mandatory legislation that could bypass national parliaments and limit public participation. Furthermore, Brussels has decided to partially suspend strict environmental regulations to facilitate the growth of data center infrastructure.

In a related discussion regarding digital sovereignty, experts suggest the concept should focus on ‘maneuverability’ rather than total independence. Using the acquisition of Solvinity—the entity behind the DigiD platform—as an example, analysts argue that complete independence from major tech firms is often unfeasible. Instead, the strategic priority should be maintaining the freedom to switch providers to mitigate risks stemming from changes in ownership, geopolitics, or legislation.