Commission and MEPs Divided Over the EU’s Dependence on Foreign Technology

The European Commission and the European Parliament are taking differing approaches to achieving technology sovereignty, paving the way for potential disagreements as the EU navigates its course toward greater digital independence.

On 3 June, the Parliament’s Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE) Committee adopted an own-initiative report urging the EU to strengthen its technological sovereignty and reduce its dependence on non-EU countries. The report, which reflects growing concern over the strategic risks of foreign reliance, was adopted with 63 votes in favour, five against, and ten abstentions. 

Data from the European Commission shows that the EU depends on non-EU countries for more than 80% of its digital products, services, infrastructure, and intellectual property. According to the draft report from the ITRE Committee, this high level of dependency not only endangers the competitiveness of European companies and the resilience of the EU economy but also represents a significant security risk for the entire bloc.