Can Europe quit American Big Tech?

Can Europe quit American Big Tech?

From Brussels Playbook Podcast by POLITICO

June 5, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Europe's efforts to reduce dependence on American technology and explores the implications of foreign control over critical systems.

The European Commission has finally unveiled its long-awaited tech sovereignty package — a push to make Europe less dependent on foreign technology after years of relying on U.S. cloud services, chips, AI infrastructure and digital tools. Sarah Wheaton is joined by former MEP Marietje Schaake, author of The Tech Coup and POLITICO’s Laurens Cerulus to ask what happens when the systems running Europe’s schools, ministries, banks, businesses and security are controlled elsewhere. They also discuss whether Brussels can build real alternatives or simply learn to manage its dependence better. If you have questions or comments — or if you’ve tried switching from U.S. tech to European alternatives — send us a message. Or even better, send us a voice note on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Wheaton

Guests: Marietje Schaake, Laurens Cerulus

Topics covered

  • tech sovereignty
  • European technology
  • U.S. tech dependence
  • digital infrastructure
  • cloud services
  • AI
  • alternatives to American tech

Keywords

  • tech sovereignty
  • European Commission
  • U.S. tech
  • cloud services
  • AI infrastructure
  • digital tools
  • Marietje Schaake
  • Laurens Cerulus

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: European Commission, U.S., Brussels

Books & works: The Tech Coup

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