Berlin: French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Tuesday the urgency for Europe to reduce its reliance on American and Chinese technology giants to secure its digital future. During the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, Macron expressed concerns that Europe risks losing control over its digital landscape if it continues to depend on non-European technology solutions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron highlighted that Europe's dependence on foreign platforms could jeopardize its competitiveness and democratic resilience. He stated, "If we let the Americans and the Chinese have all the champions, one thing is certain: we may have the best regulations in the world, but we won't be regulating anything." Macron advocated for Europe to develop its own technological solutions to maintain sovereignty and avoid becoming subordinate to external powers.

Macron mentioned that the European Union is now engaged in a global technological competition encompassing artificial intelligence, cloud services, semiconductors, and quantum computing. He called for a 'Franco-German reflex' in digital policy to ensure coordinated efforts across Europe. This includes simplifying regulations, enhancing capital markets, and prioritizing European companies in public procurement processes.

Additionally, Macron supported stronger measures to safeguard European data, cautioning against the risks of 'extraterritorial enforcement of foreign laws' if sensitive information remains stored on non-European platforms. He pointed to Europe's strengths, such as its talent pool and expansive single market, as key assets for success. However, he stressed the importance of swift action, stating, "Adoption is the new race. If we want to be sovereign, we must innovate, protect the key building blocks and accelerate the rise of European leaders."