France and Germany’s intelligence agencies selected French firm ChapsVision over Palantir for a key data analytics platform, Politico reports. Spain has instructed state-backed companies to block Palantir from future public contracts, while the UK faces a 2027 decision on a £330 million NHS data platform contract. (POLITICO) Europe
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Ecosia and Qwant expand their European Search Perspective (EUSP) joint venture to Germany, following a prior rollout in France. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on non-EU web search providers as part of broader digital sovereignty efforts. (ECOSIA) EUSP search results are now live in GermanyWe’re now delivering
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The European Commission opens bidding for seven AI data centres, four smaller and three larger, with public funding capped at €2 billion per project. Consortia must secure national backing from Germany, Greece, Portugal, Italy or Spain for larger hubs, or Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France and Poland for smaller ones. The
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The Hamburg government approved a motion to evaluate replacing Microsoft software with the open-source openDesk platform for administrative workstations. The assessment aims to reduce dependence on proprietary software and enhance digital sovereignty, Cybernews reports. (CYBERNEWS) Hamburg wants to cut its dependence on Microsoft | CybernewsThe Hamburg government passed a motion
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Italy has joined the US-led Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security initiative, led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The partnership aims to accelerate secure 6G development and curb non-European influence over standards. The coalition includes over twenty governments, including France, Germany, Japan and South
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Germany's Federal Employment Agency and National Pension Insurance have trialled openDesk, an open-source alternative to Microsoft 365, and deemed it suitable for emergency use in critical infrastructure contexts. The trial follows efforts to reduce reliance on proprietary software for digital sovereignty. (HEISE) Microsoft alternative: Social insurers trial
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The European Commission approves €659 million in State aid for four German semiconductor manufacturing projects. The funding targets first-of-a-kind facilities in power semiconductors, silicon carbide, manufacturing equipment and detector chips, advancing the EU Chips Act's goal of reducing strategic dependencies in chip supply chains. (EENEWS
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German public authorities can now legally specify open-source software in procurement tenders under certain conditions, according to a Bundestag report. The move aims to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce vendor lock-in in the public sector. (OPENSOURCEFORU) Germany's Procurement Rules Open More Doors For Open Source Software
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France and Germany announced plans to explore a European alternative to U.S. company Palantir's military software. The initiative aims to enhance data sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European tech providers in defense systems. The pledge follows France's decision to end its contract with Palantir
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France and Germany agree to boost Europe's military, industrial and technological power during talks in Berlin. The pledge aims to demonstrate the Franco-German partnership's continued relevance amid political shifts in both countries. (POLITICO) As Le Pen looms, Macron and Merz bid to show Franco-German
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Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will phase out Microsoft Office in favour of LibreOffice, following Schleswig-Holstein. The state is rolling out a Nextcloud-based collaboration platform for over 50,000 public sector employees as part of its digital sovereignty and open source strategy. Sources: (Cybernews), (Tech.eu)
QuantumDiamonds, a German startup spun out of the Technical University of Munich, secures €91m in total funding to scale quantum-based semiconductor testing technology. The €15m equity round follows €76m in EU-backed state funding, supporting Europe's push for strategic autonomy in chip manufacturing. (TECH.EU) Chip testing
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Germany and France have published a joint definition of digital sovereignty at the VivaTech 2026 trade fair in Paris, marking a concrete step toward reducing Europe's critical dependencies on Big Tech. The paper defines digital sovereignty as the ability to "independently, self-determinedly, and securely develop, provide,
European governments are reducing reliance on US defence tech contractor Palantir over security and ethical concerns. The Netherlands demands a European alternative within two years, the UK plans to end NHS contracts by 2027, and Switzerland has rejected Palantir bids at least nine times. Germany and Denmark are also seeking
