Amsterdam Initiates Move Towards Digital Sovereignty
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
On 17 March 2025, Amsterdam announced measures to achieve digital independence, aiming to reduce reliance on US tech giants by utilizing open-source software and retaining citizen data ownership.
Strategic Vision for Digital Independence
Amsterdam’s ICT Alderman Alexander Scholtes has emphasized the critical nature of this transition, stating that issues of privacy and national security can no longer be subordinate to the dominance of American tech giants. The city’s initiative mandates digital self-sufficiency as a new procurement standard and prioritizes maintaining control over citizen data [1]. This move aligns with a broader European push for technological sovereignty, as evidenced by over 90 European technology companies and industry groups calling for enhanced digital autonomy [2].
Concrete Implementation Steps
The city’s approach includes several practical measures to achieve digital independence. Key among these is the transition to open-source software for essential functions like email and word processing, significantly reducing reliance on commercial platforms that collect personal data. Additionally, Amsterdam is developing alternative solutions for social media engagement to ensure comprehensive communication with residents while maintaining data sovereignty [1]. The initiative represents a crucial component of Amsterdam’s Digital City Agenda, which aims to create a human-centric, reliable, and future-proof digital infrastructure [1].
Part of Broader European Movement
Amsterdam’s initiative coincides with a continental push for technological independence. Major industry players, including Airbus and Dassault Systèmes, are advocating for a sovereign infrastructure fund to strengthen Europe’s position in critical technologies [3]. The movement extends to procurement policies, with industry leaders calling for a ‘Buy European’ approach to stimulate local technology development and ensure fair competition [4]. This broader context places Amsterdam at the forefront of a growing movement toward European digital sovereignty.
Future Implications and Timeline
The city’s commitment to digital independence is already generating practical outcomes. The upcoming ETHDam III conference in Amsterdam, scheduled for May 9-11, 2025, will serve as a platform for advancing privacy, security, and AI innovations [5]. This event, expected to draw over 700 attendees, demonstrates Amsterdam’s emerging role as a hub for privacy-focused technological development and its practical commitment to digital sovereignty [5].