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[TECHNOLOGY] · EU · 4 sources

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European Commission tests Element Pro to reduce US software dependence

digital sovereignty European Commission Element Pro Microsoft Teams alternative Matrix protocol

The European Commission is testing Element Pro, an open-source communication tool based on the Matrix standard, as a sovereign backup to Microsoft Teams. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on US-based technology providers and ensure that sensitive institutional data remains under European control by hosting the system on the Commission's own infrastructure.

However, the pilot program has faced significant backlash from EU staff. Internal discussions reported by Politico reveal widespread dissatisfaction, with some employees describing the software in highly derogatory terms and questioning its utility compared to established US platforms. While Element's leadership acknowledged that transitioning from dominant services is often difficult, some staff members expressed skepticism regarding the platform's ability to compete with US technology in a hypothetical conflict.

Element Pro is intended to function as a secondary system for chat, file sharing, and video calls, rather than a total replacement for Microsoft Teams at this stage.

Entities

Element · European Commission · Matrix · Matthew Hodgson · Microsoft

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] Some European Commission employees have criticized the Element Pro software as 'absolute shit' or 'absolute waste'. www.upday.com · www.chip.de
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Element Pro is based on the open-source Matrix standard. www.upday.com · www.chip.de
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Matthew Hodgson, head of Element, acknowledged that transitioning from established services like Teams can be difficult. www.upday.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The European Commission is testing Element Pro as a sovereign backup to Microsoft Teams. www.upday.com · www.chip.de
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Element Pro is intended to run on the Commission's own infrastructure rather than a US-based cloud. www.upday.com · www.chip.de
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The goal of testing the software is to reduce dependence on US technology providers and strengthen digital sovereignty. www.upday.com · www.chip.de

Sources

Gutes aus Europa - Software-Alternativen zu US-Produkten [www.pctipp.ch]
Neue EU-Software stößt intern auf harsche Kritik [www.techbook.de]
Le personnel de l'UE se révolte : le pilote pour remplacer Microsoft Teams qualifié de « déchet absolu » | Toute l’actualité en France et dans le Monde - upday News [www.upday.com]
EU testet Alternative zu Microsoft Teams – Mitarbeiter urteilen vernichtend [www.chip.de]