Have you ever wondered why most of the apps on your phone, the cloud services you use, or even the AI tools you rely on are American? It’s like living in a dreamed luxury house built by someone else — convenient, sure, but wouldn’t it be better if the blueprint was ours? That’s exactly what the Made in Europe Association is all about: reclaiming Europe’s tech sovereignty and giving us homegrown alternatives to American IT solutions. Over coffee the other day, I found myself explaining my vision to a friend, and honestly, it felt like I was describing a revolution.
A Fresh Start for European Tech
Picture this: a group of tech enthusiasts sitting around a table, fueled by frustration over the latest political and economic tensions with the U.S., brainstorming ways to make European technology thrive. That’s how the Made in Europe Association came to life. It’s not just about creating alternatives; it’s about building a future where Europe leads in innovation, sustainability, and digital resilience. Sounds ambitious, right? But hey, isn’t that what Europe is known for?
The association has one clear mission: promoting European-made technology solutions that prioritize privacy, data sovereignty, and compliance with EU regulations. Think cloud services like Scaleway or OVHcloud that keep your data safe from U.S. surveillance laws, or privacy-focused search engines like Qwant and Ecosia. These aren’t just alternatives; they’re statements of independence.
Why Now?
Let’s be real — Europe has been playing catch-up in tech for years. The U.S. tech giants are 20 times bigger than their European counterparts. But here’s the twist: transatlantic tensions have created an opportunity for change. The EU is under pressure to reduce its reliance on American digital infrastructure, and initiatives like Made in Europe are stepping up to fill the gap.
Take AI as an example. Generative AI is booming globally, but European startups like Aleph Alpha are proving that we can compete without compromising on ethics or privacy. And let’s not forget the rise of green technologies and circular manufacturing — areas where Europe already shines. The Made in Europe Association is tapping into these strengths to redefine what innovation looks like on this side of the Atlantic.
What Can You Do?
So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re tired of relying on American tech giants, start exploring European alternatives. Switch to privacy-first tools like NextCloud for collaboration or Mullvad VPN for secure browsing. Support local innovation by choosing products and services that align with your values.
But more importantly, join the conversation. The Made in Europe Association thrives on collaboration — whether you’re an entrepreneur with big ideas or just someone curious about where your tech comes from. Follow our updates, attend events like InnoHive or online pitching sessions, and share your thoughts.
Because here’s the thing: this isn’t just about technology; it’s about shaping our future. And who wouldn’t want a say in that?
What do you think? Are you ready to embrace Made in Europe tech?