Digital Sovereignty on Silicon Polder

US Launches Grant Programme to Counter European Digital Regulations

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:19:53 +0000

Brussels, Tuesday 10 February 2026 Escalating transatlantic tensions, Washington confirms it will directly fund grants within Western democracies to challenge digital frameworks like the DSA, explicitly branding them as censorship.

European Platforms Fail to Challenge US Tech Dominance

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:08:45 +0000

Brussels, Saturday 7 February 2026 Europe remains heavily dependent on US tech, exemplified by the International Criminal Court replacing Microsoft after Washington blocked the chief prosecutor’s email, exposing severe sovereignty risks.

France Mandates Shift to Sovereign Software in Strategic Break from American Tech Giants

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:30:26 +0000

Paris, Thursday 29 January 2026 The French government has ordered a mandatory phase-out of American collaboration platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, across all public services by 2027. Championing digital autonomy, Paris is deploying ‘Visio’, a domestic alternative hosted securely within the EU. Beyond the immediate data security benefits, this strategic pivot highlights a significant economic incentive: the state projects savings of €1 million annually for every 100,000 users by eliminating foreign licensing fees. This regulatory move sets a definitive precedent for the Benelux region, challenging European reliance on non-EU hyperscalers and potentially catalysing a broader market shift toward compliant, locally-owned digital infrastructure.

Dutch Parliament Demands Protection of Citizen Data from US Control

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:52:55 +0000

The Hague, Wednesday 21 January 2026 Parliament has mandated immediate action to shield DigiD infrastructure from US jurisdiction, fearing the acquisition of host Solvinity could grant American authorities access to critical Dutch identity data.

Dutch Digital Sovereignty at Risk in Planned US Takeover of DigiD Host

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:42:08 +0000

The Hague, Thursday 15 January 2026 A coalition of experts warns the Dutch government that selling Solvinity to US-based Kyndryl threatens national security. With the infrastructure for DigiD at stake, critics argue this acquisition exposes 16.5 million citizens to foreign surveillance and potential service blockades, describing the deepening reliance on American technology as a ‘state of emergency’.