EuroStack & OPEN Digital: A Shared Vision for Europe’s Digital Future
Europe is at a crossroads when it comes to digital sovereignty. For too long, the EU has relied on external tech infrastructure—80% of its digital ecosystem is dependent on foreign providers. The EuroStack report, commissioned by Bertelsmann Stiftung and authored by Francesca Bria, Fausto Gernone, and Paul Timmers, lays out a bold vision for change: a €300 billion investment in open-source infrastructure, AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing to build a truly European digital backbone.
At OPEN Digital, we see this as a pivotal moment. EuroStack’s focus on public digital infrastructure, open-source technology, and reducing reliance on corporate monopolies aligns closely with our mission—supporting democracy through better, more accessible technology.
Why OPEN Digital Supports EuroStack
At its core, EuroStack is about ensuring Europe has control over its digital future. It proposes large-scale, coordinated investment in key technologies that will shape the next decade—something we’ve long argued is essential.
But sovereignty isn’t just about tech infrastructure; it’s also about who controls the tools that power civic participation, elections, and activism. That’s where OPEN Digital comes in. Our focus has always been on building a strong, independent ecosystem for political tech—one that prioritises progressive values, fights disinformation, and strengthens democracy.
EuroStack lays the groundwork for this vision by advocating for:
Public-interest digital infrastructure – EuroStack prioritises open, democratic technology, much like OPEN Digital’s investment in voter engagement tools and advocacy platforms.
A stronger commitment to open-source and interoperability – The push for digital independence mirrors our belief that political technology should not be locked behind corporate paywalls or proprietary systems.
A mix of public and private funding – The idea that public institutions should invest in mission-driven technology, rather than leaving it to commercial markets, is exactly what OPEN Digital is working towards.
Turning Policy into Action
The challenge with initiatives like EuroStack is implementation. While the report makes a compelling case for large-scale investment, turning that vision into real-world technology requires the right partners and a willingness to act quickly.
This is where OPEN Digital can help. Our model—investing directly in startups, advocacy organisations, and civic tech platforms—is exactly what’s needed to translate big policy ideas into actual, functioning digital tools. We are already backing technology that aligns with EuroStack’s principles:
Voter mobilisation and engagement platforms designed for progressive movements.
AI-driven tools to combat disinformation and strengthen digital democracy.
Interoperable, open-source advocacy tech that can be adapted across different countries and movements.
If EuroStack succeeds, it will create a policy and funding environment that allows initiatives like ours to scale faster and have a greater impact.
What Needs to Happen Next?
If Europe is serious about digital sovereignty, we need more than policy reports—we need action. That means:
Institutional support for political and advocacy tech – Digital independence isn’t just about cloud infrastructure and semiconductors; it’s about ensuring civic movements have access to the tools they need to organise, campaign, and mobilise.
Funding mechanisms that prioritise impact over profit – While venture capital has a role to play, we need to ensure that democracy-focused technology isn’t held back by short-term commercial pressures.
Stronger alignment between public and private sector initiatives – EuroStack’s vision will only work if it engages with existing civic tech ecosystems and funds projects that are already making a difference.
OPEN Digital stands ready to be part of this conversation. We are already proving that mission-driven investment in political technology works. Now, with EuroStack paving the way for larger-scale digital sovereignty efforts, there is an opportunity to connect our work with a broader movement for European digital independence.
OPEN Digital & EuroStack: A Common Goal
The EuroStack report lays out an ambitious but necessary roadmap for Europe’s future. It is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and digital innovators to build technology that reflects our values, protects our democracy, and ensures long-term independence from corporate monopolies.
At OPEN Digital, we fully support this vision. We believe that progressive, pro-democracy technology must be part of Europe’s digital sovereignty strategy, and we are ready to work with partners across the public and private sectors to make that happen.
This is not just a tech issue. It’s a democratic issue. If Europe wants a future where digital infrastructure serves the public good rather than corporate interests, then now is the time to invest—at scale, and with urgency.
We’re in. Who’s joining us?
