Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/19/dutch_parliament_us_tech/
Source: The Register
Title: Time to ditch US tech for homegrown options, says Dutch parliament
Feedly Summary: Trump administration ‘has made the call for tech sovereignty an urgent geopolitical issue’
Not content to wait for open letters to influence the European Commission, Dutch parliamentarians have taken matters into their own hands by passing eight motions urging the government to ditch US-made tech for homegrown alternatives.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses a significant political move by Dutch parliamentarians to replace US tech with domestic alternatives for government IT services, which highlights emerging concerns over digital sovereignty and security in the context of geopolitical tensions. This initiative may influence similar movements across Europe as concerns about reliance on American technology escalate.
Detailed Description: The Dutch parliament’s decision to pass motions advocating for a shift away from US technology towards local alternatives marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding digital sovereignty and security. The key points of the text include:
– **Tensions and Dependency**: Concerns are rising about the increasing dependence of the Netherlands and the EU on US technology companies due to their geopolitical stance, particularly under the Trump administration.
– **Parliamentary Actions**: Eight motions were passed during a discussion addressing these issues, advocating for:
– Stopping the migration of Dutch government IT services to US providers.
– Establishing a Dutch national cloud system and bringing the .nl domain back under national control.
– Preparing risk assessments and exit strategies for government systems hosted by US entities.
– **Call for Local Services**: Dutch MP Barbara Kathmann emphasized the importance of developing national expertise and alternatives to US technologies for the protection of the country’s digital infrastructure.
– **Geopolitical Context**: The tensions between the US and its European allies have highlighted the need for the EU to seek technological sovereignty to protect its digital assets.
– **Potential for a New Tech Landscape**: If the Dutch government implements these motions, it could pave the way for a broader trend across Europe to nationalize tech services and reduce reliance on American companies, thus reshaping the digital landscape.
The approach taken by Dutch parliamentarians could serve as a model for other European nations striving for greater tech autonomy in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, balancing security concerns with innovation and local economic interests.