EU Presents Legislation Package for Tech Independence

The European Commission presented a comprehensive legislation package on June 4, 2026, aimed at strengthening Europe's technological independence from the USA and China. This package includes several key initiatives, such as a revised Chips Act 2.0, the expansion of data centers, and a new open-source strategy. The Chips Act 2.0 is designed to promote European semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The goal is to increase production capacities in the EU to 20% of the global market by 2030.

This is to be achieved through investments in research and development as well as the creation of a favorable regulatory environment. Another component of the legislation package is the expansion of data centers in Europe. The Commission plans to increase the number of data centers by 30% by 2028 to meet the rising demand for cloud services and data processing. This is also intended to improve data security and privacy in the EU. The new open-source strategy aims to promote the development and use of open-source technologies within the EU.

The Commission sees this as an opportunity to enhance innovation and reduce dependence on proprietary software solutions. The strategy will also include measures to support start-ups and small businesses. The EU Commission emphasizes that the implementation of these measures will not only strengthen technological independence but also create jobs in the region. Estimates suggest that up to 500,000 new jobs could be created in the European tech sector if the goals of the legislation package are met. Reactions to the legislation package are mixed.

While some industry representatives welcome the initiative as a necessary step to strengthen the European economy, others express concerns about feasibility and financial resources. Critics warn that implementing the measures will require significant investments that may not be immediately available. The Commission plans to regularly review progress on the implementation of the legislation package and make adjustments as necessary. An initial report on the status of implementation is expected to be published in January 2027. The EU aims to ensure that the set goals are realistic and achievable.

This initiative is part of a broader EU plan to strengthen digital sovereignty and enhance the competitiveness of the European economy in a global context. The Commission has already announced that further measures to support digital transformation will follow in the coming months. The EU aims to significantly expand digital infrastructure and promote the digital skills of the population by 2030. This also includes educational initiatives aimed at improving digital education in schools and universities. The Commission will work with member states and industry in the coming weeks to clarify the details of the implementation of the legislation package. The first steps towards implementation are expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027.