Europe doesn’t lack tech talent. Its leaders lack execution

Fortune

by Wolfgang Oels

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Europe’s leaders may talk about achieving digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign technology, but their inability to implement these goals has stalled progress. The continent faces a systemic challenge: while its political leaders excel at creating strategies and declarations, executing them remains elusive. This lack of action is more significant than it seems, as digital infrastructure now serves as a strategic tool for economic and political power. Search engines, cloud platforms, and operating systems play pivotal roles in shaping knowledge access, hosting government data, and underpinning public services—yet these tools often remain controlled by foreign entities. Public sentiment is shifting, with growing skepticism toward Big Tech and a desire for alternatives. Across France, Germany, and Spain, majorities believe regulations on tech companies are too lenient, while nearly half see these firms as powerful as or more so than the EU itself. Trust in the tech sector is fragile, with many Europeans expressing concerns about privacy and the dominance of large platforms. Geopolitical shifts also play a role, as declining favorability toward the U.S. correlates with increased skepticism toward foreign-controlled digital infrastructure. The good news is that viable alternatives already exist for critical areas like search engines, browsers, operating systems, office software, and social media. Transitioning to these European or open-source options is not an innovation challenge but often a simple matter of choice. Tens of millions already use such alternatives, as seen in the organic growth of Ecosia without major marketing efforts. However, scaling this shift requires momentum from top-down leadership. Governments have immense power to drive adoption by prioritizing domestic digital providers through procurement and usage decisions. This could create markets overnight, fostering competition, innovation, and resilience. The stakes are high for Europe’s economy and sovereignty. Its current path of debating sovereignty while purchasing dependency is not just a security risk but also an economic one. Platform companies hold immense value due to their dominance in shaping economies and societies. By failing to act decisively, Europe risks ceding significant influence to foreign tech giants, undermining its ability to compete on the global stage.

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Originally published on Fortune on 3/3/2026