Matthias published an OpEd in the leading German IT-security outlet heise.de. The Op-Ed argues that the European Union faces an unprecedented threat as it is increasingly surrounded by authoritarian powers and can no longer rely on the United States as a partner. With American politics shifting toward authoritarianism, EU nations may soon stand isolated, while their heavy dependence on US technology in fields like cloud services, network infrastructure, software, and cybersecurity has become a significant national security risk. The US government could, for political reasons, restrict or condition the provision of essential digital services. Such a “Political Denial of Service” could cause severe industrial disruptions and public safety risks, especially since many critical European infrastructures now rely on US cloud and security solutions.

The risks extend beyond data privacy, as US intelligence legislation and potential withholding of security updates or vulnerabilities could make Europe susceptible to cyberattacks. European governments and businesses have been slow to act, often hesitating even as countries like Norway and Denmark begin to caution against US cloud providers. To break this dependency, the EU must invest in its own technology platforms, hardware, and cloud solutions, drawing lessons from past failed projects and moving away from the “convenience” of US dominance. Technological sovereignty will not be easy or quick, but failing to act exposes Europe to significant political and economic coercion. Ultimately, every crisis also offers opportunities, and the EU must use this moment to strengthen its independent digital infrastructure and security posture. 

Read the OpEd here.  

Photo credits: heise.de