The European Digital Autonomy Initiative (EDAI) is grounded in a clear and distinctive set of European values that guide its approach to digital transformation. These include:

• Privacy and data protection as fundamental rights
• Democratic oversight of technology
• Market diversity instead of monopolies
• Digital inclusion and accessibility
• Cultural diversity and multilingualism
• Transparency and accountability
• Sustainability and long-term thinking
• Collaborative and participatory development
• Open standards and interoperability
• Strong consumer protection
• Social benefit over profit maximization

EDAI does not start from scratch. It seeks to align with and reinforce existing European Union initiatives, such as the Digital Europe Programme, the Digital Compass 2030, the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs, and the Chips Act. While these programs often focus on infrastructure and technological capacity, EDAI complements them by emphasizing values, adoption, community, and cultural relevance.

The initiative is structured around three strategic pillars, each addressing a different dimension of Europe’s path to digital autonomy. These pillars work together in a mutually reinforcing cycle — and are all anchored in shared European values. Click on any title below to learn more about each pillar:

These three pillars are not isolated. They reinforce one another in a strategic feedback loop:

• Greater awareness and engagement creates public demand and legitimacy.
• That demand supports policy efforts and unlocks funding.
• Funding fuels innovation and a thriving ecosystem of services.
• A strong ecosystem further increases visibility and user engagement.

Importantly, we do not start from zero. There are already European tools, communities, and services that offer serious alternatives. While many of these are not yet capable of fully replacing U.S.-dominated platforms, they provide a vital foundation upon which this transformation can build.

We also recognize the scale of this challenge. Economic constraints, platform lock-in, and political inertia are real barriers. But these are reasons to act — not excuses to wait. The strategy identifies the major risks and proposes how to address them.

To remain credible and effective, EDAI also proposes a realistic and pragmatic implementation path. This approach acknowledges the current digital reality and avoids ideological extremes:

We don’t demand complete abandonment of non-European services but encourage preference for European alternatives where feasible.

We recognize that some services must operate on a nonprofit basis to serve societal interests, while others can function as profitable businesses.

We build on existing European alternatives like the European Alternatives project, rather than starting from scratch.

We promote development and innovation but focus initially on awareness and policy to create the conditions for long-term success.

Ultimately, the EDAI vision culminates in a clear and urgent call to action:

The time for European digital sovereignty is now.

We call upon:

• Citizens to prefer European digital services where possible
• Businesses to invest in and utilize European digital infrastructure
• Politicians to champion and fund initiatives for digital autonomy
• Developers to contribute to open European digital solutions
• Educational institutions to teach and promote European digital values

Together, we can build a digital Europe that reflects our values, protects our sovereignty, and secures our future.

Contents:

• EU programs and alignment
• The three pillars
  • Pillar I: Awareness and engagement
  • Pillar II: Policy and funding
  • Pillar III: Innovations and ecosystem building
• Current European digital landscape
• Challenges and mitigation