The video call dropped, again. French civil servants in Paris groaned, staring at frozen screens displaying their counterparts in Berlin. “Visio,” someone muttered—the French-made platform intended to replace Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and a potent symbol of France’s tech sovereignty ambitions.
For months, Europe has signaled its intention to act against American big tech, especially after trade tensions inflamed during the previous administration. Now, with lingering unease over data privacy and geopolitical friction, some European nations are making good on those threats.
France is leading the charge.
France Ditches Zoom and Teams for “Sovereign” Solution
It was a Monday morning like any other, until government employees discovered they could no longer log into Teams. The French government announced it would be phasing out American video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. In their place? Visio, a homegrown platform.
“The aim is to end the use of non-European solutions and guarantee the security and confidentiality of public electronic communications by relying on a powerful and sovereign tool,” said France’s delegated minister for the civil service and state reform, David Amiel. He added that this strategy highlights France’s commitment to digital sovereignty amidst rising geopolitical tensions and fears of foreign surveillance or service disruptions.
Visio, slated for full adoption in 2027, is part of the Suite Numérique: a collection of open-source apps for public servants developed by France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Promising a “sovereign workspace,” it offers tools mirroring those found in Microsoft Teams and Google Drive.
What Does Digital Sovereignty Actually Mean?
Digital sovereignty, at its heart, is about control. It’s the idea that a nation should have the power to control its own digital infrastructure, data, and technologies, free from undue influence or coercion by other countries or corporations. For Europe, this is increasingly about reducing reliance on American tech giants.
Once allies, the European Union and the United States have found themselves at odds in recent years. Remember when the previous administration wanted to buy Greenland? That was just the beginning.
Tech Regulation: A Transatlantic Rift
Imagine two siblings arguing over house rules. That’s the EU and the US, but the house is the internet. A central point of contention? Tech regulation. The EU aims to regulate digital platforms and tech companies on its own terms, doing so through legislation such as the Digital Services Act. Silicon Valley views these attempts as overreach and has lobbied to pressure the EU to drop some restrictions.
The result is a renewed European focus on digital sovereignty. The US dominates the tech industry, and the bloc, like most countries, relies on American prowess. This reliance has become a vulnerability some in Europe are eager to correct. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, underscored Europe’s commitment to tech sovereignty in her State of the Union address last year.
“And I want to be crystal clear on one point: Whether on environmental or digital regulation, we set our own standards. We set our own regulations. Europe will always decide for itself,” von der Leyen said, pointedly addressing the United States.
Could Tariffs Actually Target Digital Services?
They could, and that’s the threat that has boardrooms buzzing. European countries, particularly France, have openly floated the idea of using the anti-coercion instrument. While traditional retaliatory tariffs target physical goods, this instrument would allow the EU to restrict services, including digital services provided by American tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta.
Emmanuel Macron urged the European Commission to keep the anti-coercion instrument in consideration. This isn’t just about money; it’s about power, and about sending a message that Europe won’t be dictated to.
A Digital “Bazooka” or a Paper Airplane?
So far, it seems Europe isn’t ready to deploy the “bazooka” just yet. However, the union’s executive arm is reportedly working on tech sovereignty legislation, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This legislation could pave the way for more coordinated action against American tech dominance.
The French move to replace Zoom and Teams with Visio is a shot across the bow. While one platform swap won’t reshape the global tech landscape, it highlights Europe’s resolve to chart its own digital course. This isn’t just about video calls; it’s a declaration of independence in the digital age. Is this the start of a major shift, or just a blip on the radar?