Since Donald Trump’s second term, European entities have progressively moved away from American tech giants. Governments and companies are embracing open-source solutions or local alternatives like Qwant and LaSuite, aiming to reduce dependence on US technology.

The EU launched its digital sovereignty plans, while France’s administration switched office software to a home-grown solution called LaSuite. Cities in the Netherlands, Germany, and France have also ditched Microsoft Office for greener pastures—like the open-source Euro-Office suite.

But it’s not just about productivity; nations like Finland are keeping election data away from US clouds, while Belgium is moving away from AWS. The Dutch government has even moved its code to a self-hosted repository. Meanwhile, new platforms like Eurosky and AT Protocol offer alternatives to Big Tech’s social networks.

Despite these moves, the reality remains that US firms still dominate many layers of Europe's digital infrastructure. A report notes that Europe is deeply intertwined with American tech leaders in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and mobile operating systems. This shift could also strain relationships with officials in the current administration, who have criticized European digital laws.

The sentiment is clear: citizens and organizations want to take control of their data and future, unburdened by billionaire interests or Trump’s policies. But can Europe truly break free? The answer may be a mix of progress and pragmatism.