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European Firms Warn Brussels Over US Tech Reliance Risks

Financial Times Companies •
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European businesses are sounding alarms over Brussels’ push to reduce dependence on US tech, warning that aggressive sovereignty measures could erode profits and weaken the continent’s global competitiveness. Major firms like Siemens and SAP argue that abrupt shifts away from US-dominated cloud and AI infrastructure could disrupt operations and stifle innovation, urging policymakers to adopt a balanced approach.

The proposed regulations aim to bolster European control over critical technologies, but industry leaders caution that overreach risks alienating key partners and fragmenting supply chains. Siemens and SAP have highlighted concerns about losing access to US-based platforms essential for their digital transformation strategies, while Microsoft and Google face scrutiny over data localization mandates. Analysts note that a fragmented tech ecosystem could inflate costs and slow adoption of cutting-edge tools.

Earlier this year, the European Commission unveiled a $200 billion plan to develop homegrown tech alternatives, targeting sectors like quantum computing and semiconductors. However, critics argue that diverting resources from US collaborations might divert funds from immediate business needs. Deloitte and McKinsey have warned that overreliance on nascent European solutions could leave firms vulnerable to gaps in cybersecurity and scalability.

The debate underscores a broader tension between geopolitical ambitions and economic pragmatism. While Brussels seeks to reduce reliance on US tech giants, companies stress that sudden changes could undermine the very innovation ecosystems they’ve built. Industry group TechEurope recently called for "gradual transition frameworks" to align sovereignty goals with market realities, emphasizing that profit margins and global competitiveness hang in the balance.