Capgemini CEO Challenges Calls for Complete European Tech Sovereignty
In a significant development, Aiman Ezzat, the CEO of Paris-based Capgemini, Europe's largest IT services company, has publicly dismissed demands for total technological sovereignty across the continent. His remarks come amid escalating transatlantic tensions and growing concerns over Europe's reliance on American technology giants.
Rising Concerns Over US Dependence
Ezzat's comments emerge as multiple governments, particularly in America, advocate for reducing dependence on US tech firms. These calls are fueled by strained relations between the US and Europe, which have heightened anxieties about Europe's digital dependency. Recently, European Union leaders convened at a summit in Belgium to strategize on boosting European competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global economy.
The push for greater digital sovereignty has gained momentum in recent months, driven by fears that former US President Donald Trump's foreign policies might trigger a "tech decoupling." Under Trump's administration, Brussels and Washington clashed repeatedly over EU digital regulations, leading to the US banning entry for several current and former EU officials. Digital sovereignty initiatives in Europe aim to achieve strategic independence from foreign technology, specifically reducing reliance on US-based giants for infrastructure, cloud services, and artificial intelligence.
Capgemini's Stance on Sovereignty
According to a Reuters report, Capgemini, which serves government agencies, critical-infrastructure operators, and large regulated enterprises, positions itself as a mediator between Brussels' sovereignty ambitions and the reality of US-dominated cloud infrastructure. Ezzat emphasized in a post-earnings call that "there is no such thing as absolute sovereignty," noting that no entity has sovereignty over the entire value chain required to deliver services.
He outlined a four-layer framework for digital autonomy: data, operations, regulation, and technology. While Europe has achieved independence in the first three levels, Ezzat pointed out that US Big Tech's dominance prevents complete technological independence. Instead of pursuing full autonomy, he advocates for "the right sovereignty solution based on the use case, the client environment, the government."
To address this, Capgemini has forged partnerships with US hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft. These collaborations aim to deliver "sovereign" AI solutions and cloud services, operated by a European-based company but utilizing American infrastructure.
Broader US-EU Tensions and Implications
The debate over technological sovereignty is further complicated by ongoing trade disputes between the US and EU. Trump's threats regarding Greenland have exacerbated these tensions, reigniting calls in Europe for retaliatory measures against Silicon Valley. This is particularly relevant as Europe faces a significant services deficit with the US.
French President Emmanuel Macron, a long-standing proponent of digital sovereignty, has warned against complacency, urging the EU to embark on an "economic revolution" to become a true global power. He predicted further clashes over tech regulation later this year, highlighting the persistent friction in transatlantic relations.
As Europe navigates these challenges, Capgemini's approach underscores a pragmatic path forward, balancing sovereignty aspirations with the realities of global technology interdependence.
