The two largest economies in the European Union are moving forward together on a key issue: at the invitation of the German and French digital ministries, the summit on European digital sovereignty took place in Berlin on 18 November. In his speech, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the importance of the topic for the future of Europe. 

The summit on European digital sovereignty was announced at the Franco-German Council of Ministers on 29 August 2025. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron were in attendance, as was EU Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger, alongside ministerial colleagues from 23 EU member states. Various side events were also organised at the initiative of business and civil society. Over 1,000 high-ranking guests were expected to attend.

In light of geopolitical developments in particular, Germany and France want to send out a strong signal – in favour of greater independence in the digital arena, for example in computer infrastructure, AI and quantum technology. “With today’s summit, we want to make clear together: Europe’s digital sovereignty is central to Europe and to our common values, but also to the competitiveness of our economy, to our security and to our defence”, said Federal Chancellor Merz at the joint press conference with President Macron.

Promoting competency in Europe

The purpose of the summit is to publicise and promote the large number of skilled European companies that can offer services for the domestic market. Many private investments in key digital technologies and the innovations of German, French and European digital companies are encouraging: Federal Chancellor Merz thanked the companies that pledged to invest over 12 billion euros in Europe as a digital business location during the summit. 

The summit is the starting signal for further concrete steps to join forces in Europe and reduce dependencies. “We Europeans can and want to be among the frontrunners in key technologies. We have strong companies, the expertise, the skills and the creative minds. Germany and France want to be the driving force behind greater European digital sovereignty”, said Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation Karsten Wildberger.

What does digital sovereignty mean?

For the Federal Government, digital sovereignty means removing bureaucratic hurdles and creating practical rules to promote digital innovation in Germany and Europe. It is not about digital self-sufficiency; instead the focus is on targeted investments in competitiveness. The aim is to strengthen domestic suppliers so that they can operate on an equal footing internationally. Together with European partners, the Federal Government is combating distortions of competition and expanding the technology ecosystem in Europe.

Public contracts for European suppliers

The Federal Government wants to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Europe. The Chancellor announced that the Federal Administration will increasingly rely on digital products and services from Europe. The state, he said, should become the “anchor customer”. “We must lead the way as a state, be resilient and be prepared for times of crisis, in particular”, said Merz. It is important, he said, that the economy and society also develop their own digital resilience. 

Together with France, the Federal Government is also strongly in favour of improving the legal framework in Europe so that it creates more scope for innovation. “Unnecessary regulation in digital legislation in the European Union must not hinder European innovative strength”, said Federal Chancellor Merz.