As former US President Donald Trump’s return to power reshapes global diplomacy, European governments are accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on American tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Amazon. The shift is driven by fears that US tech dominance could be weaponized for geopolitical leverage, following a controversial incident involving the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this year.
🔥 The ICC Flashpoint: A Wake-Up Call
In February 2025, Microsoft suspended the email account of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan after Trump issued an executive order sanctioning him for investigating alleged Israeli war crimes. The move, executed swiftly by Microsoft, shocked European policymakers, who saw it as a stark reminder of how US-based tech firms could be compelled to act against European institutions.
“The ICC showed this can happen. It’s not just fantasy,” said Dutch MEP and cybersecurity expert Bart Groothuis, who has since reversed his support for US tech firms.
🌐 Europe’s Digital Dependence Under Scrutiny
US companies currently control over 70% of Europe’s cloud computing market, powering everything from government communications to healthcare systems. This dominance has raised alarms about data sovereignty, especially under a US administration perceived as unpredictable.
“Trump really hates Europe… The idea that he might order a kill switch isn’t as implausible as it once seemed,” warned Zach Meyers of Brussels-based think tank CERRE.
🛡️ Europe’s Response: Building Tech Autonomy
In response, European institutions are:
- Switching to EU-based providers like Proton and Intermax Group
- Testing Microsoft Office alternatives in Denmark
- Reducing Microsoft usage in German states like Schleswig-Holstein
- Investing billions in AI, cloud infrastructure, and sovereign data centers
Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have launched “sovereign cloud” solutions to reassure European clients, but trust has eroded. Microsoft President Brad Smith admitted the ICC episode “added fuel to a fire that was already burning”.
🧭 What It Means for Big Tech
The fallout could lead to:
- Loss of lucrative government contracts in Europe
- Stricter procurement policies favoring EU-based firms
- Increased regulatory scrutiny and data localization mandates
- Long-term decline in market share for US tech companies in Europe
Stay tuned for updates on Europe’s evolving tech independence strategy.
