European Parliament resolution on technological sovereignty & digital infrastructure – long-time awaited acknowledgement of the new geopolitical realities

On 22 January 2026 the European Parliament voted the resolution on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure. The resolution was adopted in light of the current events on the geopolitical theatre, that warrant digital protectionism and the safeguarding of the EU’s digital assets. This policy monitor article provides an overview of the European Parliament’s stance on technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure, as well as its recommendations. 

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure by a wide margin of 471 votes to 68, with 71 abstentions.  

In its resolution, the Parliament refers the broadness of the term ‘technological sovereignty’, namely that it encompasses the entire value chain from excellence in research to creating better competition and achieving greater European sovereignty. 

The Parliament also cites the following numbers to highlight the current state of affairs regarding technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure: 

• the EU is dependent on non-EU countries for more than 80 % of digital products, services, infrastructure and intellectual property;
• the full potential of the digital single market has yet to be realised, with intra-EU trade in digital services representing 8 % of GDP, which is significantly lower than the 25 % for trade in digital goods;
• 60 % of EU companies report challenges in recruiting skilled workers in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and clean technologies, creating a significant barrier to innovation, competitiveness and the green and digital transitions;
• 21 % of businesses mention compliance and legal uncertainties as a barrier to digital investment;
• submarine cables are critical infrastructure for global connectivity, economic stability and security, carrying over 99 % of international communications through them, however still remaining vulnerable to physical damage, cyberthreats and geopolitical risks;
• the digital skills gap is a major concern, with only 54 % of European citizens possessing at least basic digital skills – well below the 80 % target set in the digital decade policy programme;
• the shortage of ICT professionals in the EU is expected to reach 12 million by 2030, falling significantly short of the EU’s target of 20 million skilled workers.

Additionally, with regard to the EU's technological sovereignty, and in comparison with other non-EU countries, the Parliament makes the following findings:  

• in most instances the deployment of AI is shaped by a small number of big tech companies. Some AI features are not being rolled out in the EU at the same time as in non-EU countries, leading to a competitive disadvantage for European businesses and consumers;
• standardisation is at the core of genuine European technological sovereignty. The importance of standards is growing due to increasing technological competition across the world, particularly with the United States and China;
• European companies’ contribute a small share to global research and development (R&D) in software, internet technologies and electronics, with the United States and China leading in these sectors. 

In addition, the Parliament also sets out its own position on the following specific issues. 

Digital infrastructure 

• The Parliament underlines that digital infrastructure is the backbone of Europe’s society and economy, with its significance continuing to grow. It calls on the European Commission to establish a comprehensive list of critical dependencies in digital infrastructure and technologies, including a comprehensive assessment of the composition of European digital infrastructure.
• It welcomes the Commission’s white paper on how to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs, but also calls on the Commission to take a more holistic view of digital infrastructure as it encompasses more than just connectivity. 
• The Parliament calls on the Commission to introduce a new legislative framework, namely an EU cloud and AI development act, to enhance European data infrastructure and the promotion of European cloud providers. 

Cloud services 

• The Parliament calls for a strategy to reduce reliance on non-EU cloud providers, while fostering European alternatives.
• It calls on the Commission to propose a definition of 'sovereign cloud' and the scope of its application in the planned cloud and AI development act.
• It also calls on the Commission to ensure that users of cloud services have the ability to choose solutions that meet their needs. This can be achieved by ensuring that barriers to switching are removed and diversifying providers through multi-cloud strategies, as well as by fostering a competitive European cloud market, which will reduce reliance on single providers and enhance digital sovereignty. 

Skills 

• The Parliament acknowledges the necessity for more skilled professionals in digital fields and calls on the Member States to develop national strategies and policies to retain talent on the European market as well as attract the world’s best digital professionals.
• It also calls on the Member States to strengthen investment in digital education. It  further encourages an increased effort to enhance digital literacy and skills across all various demographics, with a focus on early STEM education, vocational education and training.
• The Parliament also support the establishment of a common EU certification framework for digital and technical skills, with the aim to improve the recognition and portability of qualifications among the Member States. 

For a comprehensive overview of the European Parliament's position on technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure, please click on the following link: https://table.media/assets/europe/european-parliament-resolution-of-22-january-2026.pdf. 

Sultan Erdogan