European Parliament Adopts Qwant As EU Pushes Tech Sovereignty Agenda
The European Parliament will replace Google with the French search engine Qwant, marking another step in Europe’s effort to reduce dependence on US technology providers and strengthen home-grown digital alternatives. The move comes as the European Union advances a broader strategy aimed at boosting domestic capabilities in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and semiconductor production.
The decision coincides with the European Commission’s unveiling of new legislative proposals designed to reinforce Europe’s technological sovereignty and narrow the gap with major competitors in the United States and China.
EU Unveils New Technology Strategy
On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed two major initiatives: the Cloud and AI Development Act and Chips Act 2.0. Together, the measures are intended to strengthen Europe’s digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign technology providers.
The proposals form a key part of the EU’s long-term strategy to develop independent technological capabilities across critical sectors. In particular, the Commission aims to increase Europe’s share of the global semiconductor market to 20% by 2030.
European policymakers argue that stronger domestic technology industries are essential for economic competitiveness, security and resilience in an increasingly digital world.
New Rules Target Sensitive Sectors
A central element of the Cloud and AI Development Act is the introduction of sovereignty requirements for cloud service providers operating in sensitive industries such as banking, healthcare and energy.
The proposal is partly driven by concerns surrounding legislation such as the US Cloud Act, which can require American cloud providers to grant authorities access to data even when that information is stored outside the United States.
Under the proposed framework, cloud providers handling sensitive European data would face stricter requirements designed to ensure greater control over digital infrastructure and information security.
European Preference For Critical Contracts
The Commission’s proposals also include new requirements for critical public procurement contracts. According to EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen, suppliers will need to ensure that both software and hardware used in these projects are produced within the European Union.
The measure is intended to prevent non-European countries from exercising control over critical data and digital services connected to essential public infrastructure.
As a result, European technology providers could gain a stronger position in future government and public-sector projects.
Faster Data Centre Development
The Cloud and AI Development Act also seeks to accelerate investment in data centres. Proposed measures include a fast-track approval process for new facilities, preferential access to electricity grids and lower network charges.
These incentives would be available to operators that use European-made semiconductors and improve energy efficiency, aligning infrastructure growth with the EU’s industrial policy goals.
At the same time, Chips Act 2.0 aims to strengthen semiconductor production by encouraging long-term agreements between manufacturers and customers. Such arrangements are intended to provide greater certainty for investment and future production planning.
Legislative Process Ahead
Both proposals must now undergo negotiations with EU member states and the European Parliament before becoming law. Discussions are expected to continue over the coming months as lawmakers refine the details of the measures.
The adoption of Qwant by the European Parliament and the introduction of these new legislative initiatives highlight the EU’s determination to build a stronger and more self-reliant technology ecosystem amid intensifying global competition.
With inputs from Reuters