Author: Heise Online / Alexander König
Source: Heise Online - Digital Sovereignty
**Publication Date: 09.11.2025
Summary Reading Time: 4 minutes
Executive Summary
Germany faces a digital turning point: Trump's presidency significantly intensifies concerns about dependency on US tech corporations. CDU politician Ralph Brinkhaus calls for a strategic reduction of unilateral dependencies – but not a complete departure from international cooperation. The case of the International Criminal Court, which left Microsoft in favor of the German openDesk solution, already shows concrete impacts. Key message: Europe must pursue controllable diversification instead of naive globalization to secure digital sovereignty.
Critical Guiding Questions
- Where does legitimate market dominance end – and where does dangerous strategic dependency on US corporations begin, which are ultimately subject to American law?
- Can European digital policy create real alternatives without falling into protectionist isolation and stifling innovation dynamics?
- What opportunities arise for German IT companies when they take responsibility for digital sovereignty while remaining internationally competitive?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
Enhanced procurement rule reforms favor European providers in public contracts. Additional authorities could follow the example of the International Criminal Court.
Medium-term (5 years):
Emergence of a genuine European cloud ecosystem with government anchor customers. German IT mid-market companies benefit from diversified demand and develop competitive alternatives.
Long-term (10–20 years):
Multipolar digital economy with regional champions. Europe establishes itself as a third pole between US and Chinese tech dominance – but only with successful balance between sovereignty and openness.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
Trump's inauguration intensifies European concerns about digital dependency on US corporations. Fear of politically motivated sanctions and access restrictions drives German institutions to search for sovereign alternatives – an opportunity for domestic IT providers.
Key Facts & Figures
- International Criminal Court switches from Microsoft to German openDesk solution
- Ralph Brinkhaus has led CDU working group for Digital Affairs and State Modernization since 2025
- New Procurement Law considers digital sovereignty in contract execution for the first time
- NIS2 Implementation Act currently in parliamentary process
- Microsoft holds largest market share in German authorities and overall economy
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
- German and European IT companies (open source and proprietary providers)
- Public administration as anchor customer and pioneer
- International partners: Canada, South Korea, Japan as trustworthy alternatives
- US tech corporations: Microsoft, Google, Amazon under increased scrutiny
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: German IT industry can gain market share through government anchor customers and changed procurement rules. SpaceX model demonstrates success of state support.
Risks: Protectionist isolation could hamper innovation. US cloud spin-offs cement dependencies since US law still applies.
Action Relevance
Immediate priorities: Advance administrative digitization, reform procurement law, pursue controllable diversification instead of complete departure from international partners. Competitive German products remain fundamental prerequisite for sustainable success.
Additional Research
Relevant Developments:
- European cloud strategy develops parallel to German sovereignty efforts (Analysis of European cloud ambitions)
- Gaia-X project as European cloud initiative with mixed results
- Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act create regulatory framework
Bibliography
Primary Source:
Digital Sovereignty: In the end, US law always applies to US corporations
Additional Sources:
Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on [2025-01-15]