The EU wants to reduce the dependence of AI and chips on the USA and China

EU is preparing for far-reaching measures to abandon the American digital companies hey Chinese chips in favor of European alternatives. Wary of its own vulnerability to the whims of foreign governments, Brussels has developed a package for technological sovereignty which aims to reduce dependence on foreign companies and strengthen local production, but which risks opening a new front in the transatlantic tensions.

The package of new rules on chip, cloud computing e IA will be unveiled on Wednesday as part of the EU’s effort to “regain its place in the global race for geoeconomic power”, according to a draft strategy document seen by AFP. A particular concern is the dependency on suppliers statute cloudwhich represent approximately 70% of the European market. Since the president Donald Trump has returned to the White House, Europeans fear that the critical digital infrastructures can be put out of action by an American “switch” in case of tensions.

Concerns about technological dependence

EU leaders do not directly mention the United States as a target, but American technology dominates, since cloud computing to social media to e-commerce.

Statements from the European Commission

“We must develop our capacities. We cannot allow anyone to try to influence our decisions, our values, our economy and our services,” he said Teresa RiberaEU competition manager, a few weeks ago.

The new measures on cloud, chips and AI

The package will include the “Cloud and AI Development Act“, aimed at accelerating the construction of infrastructure for i data centera proposal of “Chips Act” to strengthen the supply of semiconductors reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, and a push for public authorities to use software solutions more open source.

The position of the European institutions

The MEP Oliver Schenk he specified that the package is not “aimed at antagonizing our trading partners or closing markets”, but that “Europe must avoid becoming structurally dependent on a single external player” for AI, cloud and chips.

Interventions in case of crisis

According to a draft on chips, the Commission wants the power to intervene in the event of a crisis, forcing manufacturers to give up order priority of critical products also in derogation of existing contracts, and proposes common purchases with the EU acting as central buyer for multiple member states.

The reactions of the technology sector

“The digital sovereignty it’s about control, not just borders,” he said Ana Paula AssisIBM president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Ben Brakedirector general of DOT Europe – whose members include Amazon and Apple – warned that taking retaliatory measures against American companies “will not stimulate innovation or strengthen European competitiveness.”