The European Union is taking ambitious steps to reduce its reliance on US tech giants like Google and Apple, with plans that extend beyond software to encompass the development of its own smartphone ecosystem. This strategic shift, driven by policymakers, businesses, and the open-source community, aims to create a more secure and independent digital infrastructure for Europe.
Recent regulatory actions by the European Commission signal this broader approach. The EU is now focusing on hardware components, particularly semiconductors, recognizing that control over the entire technology stack is crucial for true independence. This move comes as the tech industry increasingly views hardware as a key battleground for innovation and control.
Software: Operating Systems Beyond Google and Apple
At the core of this initiative are alternative mobile operating systems built on open-source technology and prioritizing data privacy. Several projects are gaining traction, including /e/OS from the French Murena Foundation and Volla OS, developed in Germany.
These systems are often based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) but remove all Google services, replacing them with privacy-focused alternatives for cloud storage and app distribution. Manufacturers like Fairphone, Volla, and Shiftphone are already shipping devices with these operating systems pre-installed, as well emphasizing sustainability and repairability.
However, a significant challenge remains: the “app gap.” Many popular applications rely on Google services, which can limit the usability of these alternative systems for everyday users.
Hardware: A Multi-Billion Euro Push for Chips
Developing a native operating system is only part of the equation. The EU recognizes its strategic vulnerability in critical hardware components, especially semiconductors, where supply chains are largely controlled by non-European companies.
The “European Chips Act” is designed to address this issue, allocating over €43 billion in public and private funding to double the EU’s domestic semiconductor production by 2030, with a goal of achieving a 20% global market share. Large investment projects have already been announced.
Analysts consider the undertaking highly ambitious, citing high energy costs and lengthy approval processes in Europe as potential obstacles.
Why the EU is Prioritizing Independence Now
Geopolitical factors are intensifying the pressure for independence. The tech rivalry between the US and China has exposed Europe’s vulnerabilities, with the EU relying on foreign providers for approximately 80% of its digital technologies, according to recent reports.
This dependence extends to critical infrastructure, the economy, and government institutions, raising security concerns. Initiatives like the transition of the Schleswig-Holstein state administration to open-source software demonstrate a growing political commitment to reducing reliance on foreign technology.
The Biggest Hurdle: Building a Complete Ecosystem
Despite political support, Europe faces a considerable challenge. The dominance of iOS and Android is rooted in their established ecosystems of apps, developers, and services.
A European alternative must attract a critical mass of users and app developers – a classic “chicken-and-egg” problem. Without seamless access to popular apps like WhatsApp or banking applications, an alternative system will struggle to gain widespread adoption.
A Marathon for Europe
Establishing a viable alternative is a long-term project. The next steps involve translating the investments outlined in the “Chips Act” into concrete production facilities and further strengthening software initiatives.
Consumers can expect to notice more niche European products enter the market in the coming years. Whether these will evolve into a mass-market “third force” will depend on Europe’s ability to consolidate its efforts and resources.
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