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Chamber for gradually reducing reliance on US digital platforms

Chamber for gradually reducing reliance on US digital platforms

Europe should take measured steps to reduce its dependence on U.S. digital platforms to strengthen its own competitiveness and resilience, the Finland Chamber of Commerce said in a press release published Friday, reported Xinhua. Even a modest shift toward European digital services could significantly support the continent's economic growth and technological development, the Chamber said. "The world has changed. European decision-makers, including those in Finland, should increasingly steer the growth of digitalization and the clean transition toward European solutions," said Juho Romakkaniemi, chief executive officer of the Finland Chamber of Commerce. Romakkaniemi stressed that the goal is not to sever ties with U.S. technology providers, but to rebalance the digital landscape in a realistic and strategic manner. The Chamber said critical data and essential digital services should be moved to European providers whenever appropriate and technically feasible. It added that public-sector institutions across Europe could lead by example, gradually diversifying digital infrastructure. "It is entirely possible for Europe to reduce its use of U.S. services in small steps in those areas where it makes sense," Romakkaniemi said, while acknowledging the quality and continued relevance of American digital products. He estimated that Europe's economic and technological outlook could improve if even 10 percent of future growth in digital services were directed to European companies instead of U.S. firms. The Chamber said shifting international politics and changing trade relations underscore the need for a more diverse digital ecosystem. "Recent events have made it clear that Europe cannot build its security of supply on a single supplier country," Romakkaniemi said, adding that risks should be diversified and the share of European services increased in a controlled manner. National broadcaster Yle recently cited cybersecurity expert Petteri Järvinen as warning that Europe's reliance on U.S. technology can create both cost pressures and strategic vulnerability, including lock-in risks and potential sovereignty concerns linked to U.S. legislation and access to cloud services. Järvinen warned that the United States could, in effect, cut Finland off from key internet-enabled services within an hour. He said roughly 70 percent of the cloud services used in Europe are provided by U.S. technology firms.