Key takeaways:
Microsoft and its leadership refrained from endorsing Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, unlike some other major tech companies.
However, European governments and enterprises are increasingly breaking ties with Microsoft products in favor of open-source alternatives.
Experts say such a transition can be largely attributed to Trump’s hostile policy towards Europe, which sparked digital sovereignty efforts.
Microsoft has reiterated its digital commitments, but it is yet to be seen if that’s enough to assuage concerns over dependency on US tech.
It’s not just about Trump though. EU has long been in talks with American companies about EU citizen data not being allowed to leave EU and asking if the companies can guarantee that US isn’t allowed to access the data, which companies have not been able tp guarantee.
Yes but those conversations have in most ways not been too serious until now. I think it’s obvious, but if not, Microsoft has enough money to buy political favor most of the time. And now the price is too high.