German minister says EU digital sovereignty is not protectionism

Germany's digital minister, Karsten Wildberger, emphasized that the EU's pursuit of digital sovereignty does not equate to protectionism. Instead, it involves developing Europe's own digital infrastructure to reduce reliance on U.S. tech firms while maintaining international cooperation. This approach aims to make Europe active players in the digital sector, rather than just customers, and to foster innovation within the continent. ## Achieving Digital Sovereignty Digital sovereignty is about ensuring that European companies have control over data storage, infrastructure, and technology supply chains. This includes having choices about where data is stored and who operates the infrastructure. Wildberger highlighted the importance of being part of the global market without isolating from it. ### Key Points - **Digital Infrastructure Development**: Europe needs to build its own digital infrastructure to reduce dependence on U.S. providers. - **Cooperation and Innovation**: The goal is to become active participants in the sector, not just consumers, and to foster European innovation. - **Data Control**: Ensuring companies have choices over data storage and infrastructure is crucial for digital sovereignty. - **Global Market Access**: Germany and the EU want to remain accessible to the global market, ensuring that digital sovereignty does not translate into protectionism. ## The Role of U.S. Companies While Europe seeks to strengthen its digital capabilities, U.S. companies remain significant partners, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence. Although U.S. companies are ahead in these sectors, Europe has seen success with companies such as Mistral AI, DeepL, and Aleph Alpha. The integration of U.S. companies into Europe's digital landscape is envisioned as a collaborative effort rather than a complete disengagement. For more information on technological advancements and tools, you can explore platforms like **[DeepL](https://www.deepl.com/)** for AI-driven translation services. However, there is no direct link to the tools mentioned in the Reuters article. The emphasis on digital sovereignty aligns with Europe's broader strategy to enhance technological independence and competitiveness in the global market while maintaining international partnerships.