FRITZ!, the German network solutions manufacturer, has made a statement responding to the ban on foreign routers in the United States: “a wake-up call for Europe’s technological sovereignty”. Geopolitical realignment makes Europe’s strong digital independence more essential than ever. “Recent events in the United States clearly demonstrate that this issue can no longer be postponed in Europe”they declare.
In case you are not aware of the situation, remember that the United States Federal Communications Commission (FTC) has prohibited the use of routers manufactured outside the country in the consumer and SME markets. Under the argument of “national security” (always used, but rarely demonstrated), it seems more like a new attack by the Trump administration on trade relations, against Asia where most of the planet’s network solutions are produced, but also against European manufacturers like FRITZ! which has a wide catalog of products.
FRITZ! understands that with this decision, “The United States is moving closer to China’s practice of severely restricting or banning foreign technology on its networks”. It also underlines the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its technological base and rely on its own solutions, as Europe certainly has competitive suppliers. As a European manufacturer, FRITZ! already offers secure and innovative technological solutions that are ‘developed and manufactured in Europe’.
«We now need targeted support for our own digital economy to ensure the innovative strength, resilience and competitiveness of Germany and Europe in the long term. After all, if Europe, despite the identified security risks and latent dependencies, remains the only market that allows all suppliers, it is to be expected that Chinese companies will increasingly focus on the European market..
European digital sovereignty: simply essential
Certainly, the matter is serious. But not new. The landing of the new tenant in the White House or what analysts called ‘Trump 2.0’, has caused some increasingly turbulent geopolitical timesat all levels, including the technology market.
More than a year ago, after a unilateral imposition of tariffs, a major group of European technology companies sent an open letter to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the head of EU digital services, Henna Virkkunen, where they asked the legislature “radical actions” to reinforce Europe’s digital sovereigntyreducing dependence on foreign-owned infrastructure and services to strengthen the economic prospects, resilience and security of the Old Continent.
And beyond… The EU must prepare for a scenario in which the US blocks the region from accessing its technology, both to data centers and SaaS services. Hence the push that several EU members are giving to plans to break with American technology and adopt local alternatives.
