Europeans want less dependence on foreign technologies, study finds

Europeans Seek Reduced Reliance on Foreign Tech, Eurobarometer Report Reveals

Europeans want less dependence on foreign - A recent Eurobarometer survey underscores a growing demand among Europeans for greater control over their digital infrastructure, with 80% of the EU’s technology and digital systems originating from outside the bloc. US tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, alongside Chinese firms such as Alibaba and ByteDance, dominate the market, raising concerns about dependency on external powers. Despite this, the findings indicate a strong public appetite for shifting toward European-led digital solutions.

Survey Highlights Divergent Priorities Across Member States

According to the latest Eurobarometer data, a majority of EU citizens support the development of domestically controlled digital infrastructure. Sweden leads with 94% of respondents advocating this approach, followed closely by Finland at 93% and Denmark at 92%. This sentiment is widespread, with 87% of Germans, Estonians, and Luxembourgers also expressing similar views. The report highlights a clear preference for reducing reliance on non-EU technologies, particularly from the United States and China.

“The sense of urgency is reflected across society and the public discourse,” said Johan Linåker, a senior researcher at Sweden’s RISE institute and adjunct assistant professor at Lund University. “In Denmark, for example, the US threats against Greenland have spurred public engagement through initiatives like the campaign ‘Danmark Skifter.’”

Linåker’s comments reflect a broader trend where geopolitical tensions and perceived vulnerabilities in digital systems drive support for sovereignty. The campaign Danmark Skifter, launched in early 2026, encouraged citizens to disconnect from screens during specific hours or adopt less addictive platforms. This effort was part of a larger movement to assert digital independence, with the Danish government pledging €6.96 million (approximately 80 million kroner) over the next four years to fund such transitions.

Willingness to Switch Varies by Age and Gender

While the desire for European-controlled technology is strong, the readiness to embrace EU-based alternatives differs significantly. Danes, Swedes, and Croatians showed the highest willingness to switch, with 76% and 73% respectively agreeing to pay more for domestic services. In contrast, Estonians and Bulgarians demonstrated the lowest enthusiasm, with only 35% and 45% expressing support. The data also reveals a pattern: younger respondents are more open to change, while older individuals show declining interest. Men were more likely than women to back the shift, suggesting a gendered divide in attitudes toward digital sovereignty.

Linåker explained that these variations may stem from differing perceptions of technology’s role in society. “In some eastern European countries, digital tools are often seen as a commodity rather than a critical component of national infrastructure,” he noted. “This mindset influences where priorities are set, particularly in sectors like healthcare and defense.”

Key Drivers for Digital Sovereignty

Public support for reducing foreign dependence is fueled by concerns over security, reliability, and data protection. Greeks, Finns, and Swedes cited greater security and reliability as primary motivators, with 68%, 67%, and 64% respectively. Meanwhile, data privacy emerged as a key factor in Austria, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Portugal, where 57% and 54% of respondents emphasized the need for stronger personal data safeguards.

These priorities align with broader fears about the “kill switch” scenario, where foreign governments could abruptly restrict access to vital services. The Trump administration’s recent decision to block foreign access to Anthropic’s advanced AI models, including cutting off employee access, has amplified these concerns. The move reinforced Europe’s anxiety about being at the mercy of external entities, particularly in times of geopolitical conflict.

European Commission Pushes for Tech Sovereignty Agenda

In response to rising public pressure, the European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive tech sovereignty package aimed at strengthening the bloc’s domestic tech sector. The plan focuses on cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, open-source software, and semiconductor manufacturing. Four initiatives are proposed to address each stage of the value chain, from chip production to software development.

Under the framework, the highest tier of the strategy would restrict non-European companies from securing public contracts in critical sectors like defense and healthcare. This is designed to prevent a “kill switch” situation, where foreign entities could disrupt essential services at short notice. Linåker noted that the goal is not to eliminate all third-country solutions but to evaluate risks and build resilience against potential vulnerabilities.

Global Implications for Tech Independence

The push for digital sovereignty has gained momentum as global events underscore the fragility of current supply chains. The Trump administration’s actions against Anthropic highlight how political decisions can directly impact technology access, prompting European leaders to accelerate their plans. This aligns with the Eurobarometer’s findings, which show a unified desire for greater control over digital systems.

Linåker emphasized the importance of a balanced approach. “Sovereignty in the digital sphere is not about rejecting foreign innovations but ensuring that Europe can manage its dependencies,” he said. “It’s about understanding the risks associated with reliance on external providers and investing in capabilities to mitigate them.”

As the EU works to consolidate its tech independence, the challenge lies in harmonizing national initiatives with broader European goals. The Danmark Skifter campaign and the Commission’s proposed measures represent steps toward this vision, but widespread adoption will require addressing economic, cultural, and technical barriers. With public opinion clearly in favor of reducing foreign control, the path to a more self-reliant digital ecosystem appears increasingly viable.