Digital Sovereignty
Majority want Technology from Europe
A large majority in Germany would like more digital independence. According to the Bitkom survey, 99% consider more sovereignty to be important, while at the same time many feel that switching to European providers is too time-consuming.
The vast majority of people in Germany are in favor of more digital independence from other countries. This was revealed by a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom, for which 1004 people aged 16 and over were questioned.
According to the survey, 93% see Germany as dependent on foreign countries for digital technologies. 99% consider it important to reduce this dependency, while 79% call for greater investment in key digital technologies.
One third consciously opt for Europe
Some consumers have already taken action: 34% state that they have consciously opted for digital services or devices from Europe. A further 27% have at least thought about it. At the same time, many cite practical hurdles: For 55%, switching to European providers involves too much effort.
The role of the user is also emphasized. 87% believe that consumers must adapt if more digital independence is to be achieved. 62% would be prepared to accept short-term disadvantages to achieve this.
However, European services have only played a limited role in everyday life so far. 14% use European social networks, 13% use European search engines or browsers and 11% use messengers from Europe. The proportion of AI applications or chatbots is 6% and 5% for smartphones from European providers.
"People in Germany want Europe to become more independent when it comes to digital technologies. This requires more investment and less regulation. More investment in key digital technologies by companies and a reduction in excessive regulation by politicians in Berlin and Brussels," says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst.
The survey was conducted by Bitkom Research by telephone and took place between calendar week 9 and 12 of 2026.
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