Berlin and Paris Plan Own Digital Backbone, Reducing Reliance on US Tech
Berlin, Germany, July 19 – In a significant move towards technological independence, Germany and France have announced plans to develop a European ‘digital backbone’ to strengthen data sovereignty and reduce reliance on US technology giants. This initiative, stemming from the Franco-German Ministerial Council meeting, aims to create a viable alternative to US military software and surveillance tools, particularly in the security and military domains.
The growing desire for technological autonomy from the United States is driving enhanced cooperation between Germany and France. During Friday’s Franco-German Ministerial Council, both governments resolved to bolster European data sovereignty and challenge the dominance of US tech corporations in the security and military sectors. A key pillar of this strategy is the development of a European ‘digital backbone,’ intended to establish a robust alternative to US military software and surveillance tools.
Adieu Palantir: European Preference Shifts
A central focus of this strategy is the big-data giant Palantir, whose systems are seeing a decline in European preference. France’s domestic intelligence agency has indicated its intention to terminate its contract with the US firm. This follows a similar decision by Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which opted for the French alternative, ChapsVision, over Palantir.
Paris is also actively promoting its AI-powered military command platform, Arcadia, positioning it as a European counterpoint to the controversial Palantir Maven system, currently deployed by NATO. While alliance circles recently suggested a lack of genuine European alternatives, the joint declaration following discussions between Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Emmanuel Macron signals a clear shift in direction.
Joint Effort in AI Security
In parallel, German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) and his French counterpart, Anne Le Hénanff, are committed to bolstering security in the AI sector. The core of this initiative is a partnership between the new German AI Security Institute and its French equivalent, Inesia. These institutes are tasked with ensuring the mastery of ‘frontier AI’ and supporting the EU’s AI Office in enforcing the AI Act. Furthermore, the ministers plan to coordinate European frequency policy to safeguard sovereign satellite communication.
Defense and Industrial Policy Alignments
Beyond digital infrastructure, the two nations have agreed on steps in classical defense and industrial policy. Regarding the multi-billion-euro, largely stalled FCAS fighter jet system, the partners are adopting a pragmatic approach, agreeing on a common standard. This standard will ensure seamless communication between fighter jets, drones, and other aircraft from various countries of origin during operations.
For the MGCS land system, which aims to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks with a network of manned and unmanned vehicles, both sides have agreed to launch a research program. This program will focus on autonomous driving, sensor technology, and battlefield networking.
In space, cooperation on reconnaissance satellites and the use of European launch vehicles like Ariane 6 will be intensified. Additionally, economic policy agreements have been reached: Stefan Rouenhoff from the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and French Industry Minister Sébastien Martin signed declarations on the resilience of supply chains, the security of critical raw materials, and the deepening of the EU single market.
Source: heise.de
