Europe's over-reliance on US technology is an existential threat

In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Marietje Schaake, a fellow at Stanford University's Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and the Cyber Policy Center, argues that the post-World War II transatlantic alliance has effectively ended, citing a speech by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference as evidence. 

The article highlights that the message demonstrated considerable disdain for Europe and its democratic principles. In addition, the article criticised Silicon Valley tech giants for their apparent alignment with this new transatlantic reality, claiming they have become anti-European forces. Schaake also contends that these same tech companies, once keen to portray themselves as defenders of democracy, are now opportunistically supporting an administration that undermines democratic norms and international order. Interstingly, Schaake observes that these companies have faced little, if any, public backlash, maintaining their reputations and seeing stock prices rise despite their willingness to "bend the knee".

Moving forward, the article underscores the urgency for Europe to recognise the threat these companies' ties with the Trump administration pose to European sovereignty and values, particularly regarding control over crucial digital infrastructure like cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). As such, Europe's reliance on US tech is a significant vulnerability that necessitates the development of a more independent digital ecosystem, or "Eurostack." Schaake concludes that the situation demands Europe to end its dependency on American tech and protect itself from the tech-fueled geopolitical realities.

£ - This article requires a subscription.