EU’s tech independence push disappoints Brussels and irks the Americans

Key Points:

• The European Commission unveiled a tech sovereignty package aimed at reducing Europe's dependence on U.S. technology, but early reactions suggest it may fall short of ensuring long-term digital independence and risk disappointing both Europe and the U.S.
• Critics argue the plan is too permissive, allowing U.S. tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to continue servicing sensitive sectors, with blocking them contingent on political will that may risk angering Washington.
• The centerpiece Cloud and AI Development Act introduces a certification scheme to assess digital tools' vulnerability to foreign interference and mandates replacing foreign services in some cases, yet large parts of the market remain open to U.S. firms.
• U.S. tech companies have already voiced concerns that the proposal's focus on geographic and nationality-based criteria could hamper access to the best technology and potentially lead to protectionism.
• The proposal faces a challenging path ahead, with EU digital ministers and national governments expected to scrutinize it, possibly resisting perceived encroachment on their powers, making its final form uncertain.