European payments firms launch alliance to rival US systems
Five European payment providers form an alliance to create an alternative to US-led digital payment systems, covering over 70% of the EU and Norway's population. The group includes Bancomat, Bizum, EPI Company/Wero, SIBS-MB WAY and Vipps MobilePay, serving around 130 million users across 13 countries. (RTE)
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Christian Triantafillou Schade— Digital pioneer, tech reporter, corporate revolutionary. Christian Triantafillou Schade covers Europe's push for digital sovereignty from the public record. He consults on process improvement and tooling.
UK minister urges AI firms to boost safety as cyber defences strengthen
United KingdomNews
The UK’s AI minister Kanishka Narayan calls on frontier AI developers to increase safety efforts, warning Britain cannot rely solely on tech companies. The announcement accompanies plans to strengthen the country’s cyber defences amid rising global concerns over AI risks. (GUARDIAN)
UK to strengthen cyber defences as minister
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French AI scale-up Wiremind secures €35 million funding round
FranceNews
Wiremind, a Paris-based AI software company serving transport and events sectors, raised €35 million in its first external funding round after 12 years of bootstrapping. The round, led by IronWave and Bpifrance Investissement, will support international expansion and AI research and development. Wiremind’s revenue grew 67% in 2025,
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Museums explore digital sovereignty in cultural heritage cloud
LithuaniaGovernment and publicNews
On 14 October in Vilnius, NEMO and ECHOES will host a side event at the NEMO European Museum Conference to discuss the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage. The event examines whether Europe will merely share cultural heritage data or build infrastructure to retain control over its digital assets. (NEMO)
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ICC switches to European tech after US sanctions block American services
NetherlandsGovernment and publicNews
The International Criminal Court in The Hague was designated a sanctioned entity under US Executive Order 14203 in October 2026, cutting off access to American software updates, licenses and cloud services. The Court urgently migrated to European providers to maintain operations, highlighting Europe's exposure to US-controlled infrastructure.
(#source_pixelunion.eu)By
Iceland publishes 69-point AI strategy for schools and language
IcelandNews
An Icelandic government expert group delivers 69 proposals across ten policy areas, prioritising AI education, Icelandic-language technology development and public-sector implementation. The report follows public concerns and will inform an updated AI action plan due by the end of the year. (ICELAND REVIEW)
Iceland AI Report Sets Out
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Iceland launches Korda to manage critical communications infrastructure
IcelandNews
Iceland’s government has established Korda, a state-owned company that consolidates critical communications systems including submarine cables, the Tetra emergency network and 112 service technology. The merger, effective since September 1, aims to enhance resilience against natural hazards, technical failures and international disruptions while reducing reliance on foreign providers.
