One figure stands out in particular:
Europe currently depends on suppliers outside the EU for more than 80% of essential digital technologies, services and infrastructure.
The Commission's response is not just about technology. It is increasingly about control.
Control over:
- critical digital infrastructure
- public-sector data
- software ecosystems
- interoperability standards
- the state's long-term digital capabilities
Particularly significant is the growing emphasis on open-source solutions, system interoperability, the reuse of software developed within the public sector, and reducing dependence on closed platforms.
PPPA's Perspective
This discussion is especially relevant. Digital sovereignty is not achieved simply by hosting data in a local data centre.
It requires the ability to understand and control the processes, data structures, decision-making logic and digital infrastructure that underpin public services.
This is precisely why the algorithmisation of processes and initiatives such as Process-as-Code are becoming increasingly important.
The digital state of the future will not be built on data alone. It will be built on manageable digital processes.