Over 90 European technology companies and lobby groups, including Airbus and Dassault Systemes, have called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to create a sovereign infrastructure fund aimed at boosting public investment in cutting-edge technologies. The group emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its technological independence in response to recent U.S. measures and shifting EU developments.
In an open letter dated March 14, the companies and organizations outlined the urgency for Europe to regain control over its critical digital and physical infrastructure. The letter stated that the continent must prioritize autonomy in sectors ranging from applications, platforms, and artificial intelligence models to essential components like chips, computing, and storage.
“Europe needs to recover the initiative and become more technologically independent across all layers of its critical digital infrastructure,” the letter read. “Our current dependencies pose security risks, undermine sovereignty, and hinder economic growth.”
The signatories argued that a dedicated sovereign infrastructure fund is crucial to achieving this goal, particularly for capital-intensive industries like quantum technologies and semiconductor manufacturing.
Additionally, the letter proposed that European governments adopt a “buy European” policy in public procurement to stimulate demand and incentivize investment in local technologies. The intention is not to exclude non-European firms but to create a level playing field for European suppliers to compete effectively.
Notable signatories include OVH Cloud, a major French cloud services provider, along with other EU-based companies, the European Software Institute, the European Startup Network, and the German AI Association. The letter was also addressed to EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen.
The call highlights the growing concern among European technology leaders over the need to safeguard the continent’s strategic interests in the global tech landscape.
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