Europe Pushes for Digital Sovereignty Amid Concerns Over U.S. Tech Influence and Trump-Era Politics

 As President Donald Trump begins his second term, European governments, tech experts, and privacy advocates are intensifying calls for “digital sovereignty” to reduce their reliance on dominant U.S. technology firms. The shift is being driven by growing discomfort with Washington’s shifting geopolitical posture and the influence American tech companies wield over European digital infrastructure.

In Germany, initiatives to reclaim control over digital tools are gaining momentum. The regional government of Schleswig-Holstein has migrated its public administration systems entirely to open-source platforms. Similarly, Berlin-based organizations are helping users switch from Google services to privacy-focused European alternatives. Nonprofits like Topio have emerged to support people trying to “de-Googlefy” their devices.

Privacy-centered platforms such as ProtonMail and Ecosia report significant growth across Europe. ProtonMail’s user base has increased by 12% in the region, while search engine Ecosia saw a 27% year-on-year rise in EU queries. Encrypted messaging apps like Signal and decentralized networks like Mastodon are also seeing rising adoption as Europeans seek alternatives to U.S.-based services.

Despite this momentum, full digital independence remains a challenge. Many European tech companies still rely on U.S. cloud infrastructure or algorithms, making a clean break difficult. Experts warn that app-switching alone won’t achieve sovereignty unless accompanied by robust regulation, domestic investment in digital infrastructure, and stronger data protection frameworks.

The digital sovereignty movement has also gained political backing. EU leaders increasingly view control over digital systems as essential to maintaining democratic integrity and resisting foreign influence. As transatlantic trust erodes, Europe appears determined to build a more self-reliant, secure, and values-driven digital future—one less tethered to American corporate and political agendas.