Background and Necessity of EuroStack
2025-03-18
Currently, Europe imports more than 80% of its digital technology and infrastructure from foreign countries, particularly the United States. This high level of dependency poses serious threats to data security, privacy protection, and strategic autonomy. Concerns about Europe’s digital sovereignty are growing, especially with increasing potential for trade conflicts with the US and rising political uncertainties.
In response to this situation, EuroStack aims to develop Europe’s capacity to independently develop and manage digital technology and infrastructure. This goes beyond mere technological independence, signifying the establishment of a new digital ecosystem that reflects European values and principles.
Key Objectives and Vision of EuroStack
The European Union has unveiled four core objectives of the ambitious EuroStack initiative. According to the EuroStack task force, this project prioritizes establishing Europe’s digital sovereignty.
First, they plan to strengthen internal control over core digital infrastructure, including communication networks and cloud platforms, to reduce external dependencies. Additionally, they will accelerate the development of technological solutions that reflect European values of privacy protection and transparency.
Furthermore, technological innovation through industry-academia collaboration will be pursued to enhance the global competitiveness of European companies. Notably, the initiative emphasizes environmentally friendly and socially responsible technological development, with a focus on bridging the digital divide.
A EuroStack task force representative expressed optimism, stating, “Through this project, we expect to establish Europe’s digital sovereignty and further increase Europe’s influence in the global digital market.”
Components and Scope of the EuroStack Initiative
EuroStack aims to build a comprehensive technology stack encompassing all areas of digital technology. The main components are as follows:
- Semiconductor and Hardware Infrastructure
- Network and Communication Technology
- Cloud Computing and Data Centers
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Platforms
- Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions
- Data Management and Analytics Platforms
- Digital ID and Security Systems
This technology stack is based on open-source software and federated architectures, focusing on developing human-centric AI solutions that reflect European values.
Implementation Strategy and Investment Plan
The cornerstone of the EuroStack initiative is the ‘European Sovereign Technology Fund.’ This fund aims to secure investments of approximately 300 billion euros over the next 10 years. It will be jointly funded by the EU, national governments, private companies, and philanthropic organizations.
In the initial phase, 10 billion euros will be invested to launch pilot projects for developing EuroStack’s core technologies. These projects will be selected through an ‘open challenge’ approach to foster innovative ideas and technologies.
Additionally, EuroStack seeks to strengthen European technological capabilities by strategically combining public procurement and private investment. This approach aims to foster collaboration not only among EU member states but also with non-EU European countries like the United Kingdom.
Strong Participation and Support from European Companies
The EuroStack initiative is currently receiving remarkable support across Europe, with approximately 100 innovative companies and organizations actively pledging their participation. This extensive support network includes influential corporations such as Airbus, a leader in aerospace; Dassault Systèmes, a powerhouse in 3D design software; NextCloud, a cloud storage specialist; Proton, a leader in encrypted email services; and OVH Cloud, Europe’s largest cloud service provider. Additionally, SMEs with advanced technologies and promising startups with innovative visions are actively joining this initiative.
These participating companies have recently issued a detailed joint statement strongly emphasizing to the European Commission the urgency and strategic importance of building EuroStack. Notably, they express serious concern that if current trends continue, Europe could become almost completely dependent on non-European technology within the next three years. Consequently, they are emphasizing the need for swift and bold policy measures and large-scale investments to secure Europe’s digital sovereignty, while calling for concrete implementation plans.
Challenges and Opportunities
Let’s examine the main challenges facing the EuroStack initiative. According to the task force, several important hurdles must be overcome for the project’s success.
First, securing large-scale funding is urgent. Obtaining investment for building technological infrastructure and research and development is identified as the top priority.
Second, Europe must catch up with its technological capabilities, which currently lag behind the United States and China. Experts point out that “survival in global competition will be difficult without strengthening core technological capabilities.”
Third, the fragmented market environment across 27 EU countries poses an obstacle. The key challenge lies in coordinating the different regulations and market conditions of each country.
Finally, competition with global tech giants like Google and Amazon is inevitable. How to compete with these companies that already dominate the market is a major concern.
- Experts forecast that EuroStack will create hundreds of thousands of highly skilled jobs and significantly strengthen Europe’s economic resilience.
- Notably, analysis suggests that this project will secure Europe a strategic position to lead next-generation technological development and set global digital standards.
- Industry representatives unanimously stated that “a distinctive European digital ecosystem centered on privacy protection and ethical technological development will be established.”
- They also predicted that “it will bring meaningful changes to the global technology industry by presenting a new paradigm of human-centric and sustainable technological development.”
A Challenge for Europe’s Digital Future
The EuroStack initiative presents an ambitious vision for strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty and competitiveness. It aims beyond mere technological independence to build a new digital ecosystem based on European values and principles.
While the project’s success will require massive investment, close collaboration, and continuous innovation, if successfully implemented, EuroStack could revolutionize Europe’s digital economy, elevate Europe’s position in the global technology ecosystem, and provide citizens with safer and more reliable digital services.
Europe stands at a crucial crossroads. The world is watching how Europe will respond to the challenges of the digital age through EuroStack and what future it will create. The progress and results of this ambitious project have the potential to significantly change the landscape of the global technology industry.