Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Berlin Summit Launches Franco-German Push for European Digital Sovereignty

Leaders frame EU rule changes plus public procurement as the levers to reduce reliance on US providers.

Overview

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron joined EU digital ministers and over 1,000 participants in Berlin to coordinate steps on cloud, AI and public‑sector software.
  • Germany and France showcased open‑source office suites for administrations (openDesk and La Suite) and highlighted progress on the EU digital identity wallet, with a joint taskforce to steer rollout and standards.
  • The European Commission will present a digital package on Wednesday with planned adjustments to AI and data rules, and Commissioner Henna Virkkunen signaled possible tighter oversight of Amazon and Microsoft cloud services under the DMA.
  • Organizers and industry flagged new cooperation and investment moves, including expected projects involving SAP and Mistral AI, data‑center expansions by European providers and initiatives in quantum, health, defense and drones.
  • Policy debates surfaced over loosening EU rules to spur innovation and over preferring European vendors in public procurement, while experts cautioned that sustained funding and follow‑through will determine results.