A senior European Commission official says the EU wants to avoid becoming a “technology colony” dependent on foreign tech companies.

Speaking at POLITICO’s AI & Tech Week, Thibaut Kleiner, one of the officials leading the upcoming Cloud and AI Development Act, warned that Europe risks losing the ability to build its own technology products if it continues relying too heavily on non-European providers.

The new law, expected as part of the EU’s broader tech sovereignty strategy, aims to strengthen Europe’s cloud industry and reduce dependence on foreign cloud services. Although the proposal is currently planned for May 27, Kleiner said delays are still possible because the package has already been postponed several times.

According to Kleiner, some companies now realize their “survival is at stake” if their entire business depends on technology they do not control. He said demand for European cloud infrastructure is growing and suggested the EU plans to support that shift.

The Commission is also considering stricter rules for public procurement, encouraging governments to choose European tech providers instead of relying on foreign companies. Kleiner said public institutions should avoid decisions that weaken Europe’s technological sovereignty.

His comments indicate Brussels may take a tougher stance in pushing Europe toward greater digital independence and stronger local tech industries.