Nextcloud Summit panel discussion on tech innovation: “Europe CAN do it: strengthening digital sovereignty”

« Europe can’t do tech » is a narrative that US Big Tech has successfully pushed into the political discourse when discussing tech innovation. Often accepted without question, this narrative has led to European tech companies being overlooked and underfunded. The result? A self-fulfilling prophecy where dependence on Big Tech grows, and the potential of local innovation is ignored.

Using a combination of their gate keeper position and clever lobbying, US hyperscalers have gained market dominance. Technology-wise, Europe could simply make different choices but policy decisions unfortunately continue to deepen the dependency … until now.

Join us for the panel discussion at the Nextcloud Summit on June 5^th in Munich, Germany, as industry experts explore how Europe is at a turning point in defining its digital future. “How to create a strong independent European digital ecosystem?” will be the question at the heart of this conversation. Together, we will explore how European companies, policymakers, and open source advocates can reduce reliance on Big Tech while keeping an innovative advantage.

What’s on the table: discussing European tech innovation

Packed with valuable talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Nextcloud Summit explores the future of digital sovereignty in Europe. But we want to push the conversation further. This panel featuring experts and leaders will explore bold strategies to move forward: how can European companies and policymakers build a robust, sovereign digital ecosystem?

As innovation in Europe can only prosper through self-determination, the time is now to answer burning questions, allowing Europe to step out of Big Tech’s shadow.

• Can sovereignty be achieved through policy, or will open source lead the charge?
• Should Europe double down on regulation or lean into innovation?
• How will we look at today’s momentum in five years in Europe?
• Who poses a greater threat to European digital independence: Silicon Valley… or Brussels?

These questions will ensure a pivotal conversation where we debunk the narrative that “Europe can’t do tech”. Reserve your seat and be part of the conversation, sparking a wake-up call for innovation in Europe.

Panelists: thought-leaders and experts on tech innovation

With the support of moderator Cécile Boutelet, Economics correspondent in Germany for Le Monde, a panel of policy experts and tech leaders will color the discussion “Europe can do it: strengthening digital sovereignty”.

Panelists include:

• Alexandra Geese, MEP (Greens/EFA), and a key negotiator of the Digital Services Act
• Max von Thun, Director for Europe, Open Markets Institute, antitrust expert, and Big Tech watchdog
• Pencho Kuzev, Policy Advisor, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, organizer of the European Data Summit
• Timo Väliharju, Executive Director, COSS (Open Source Finland), President of APELL
• Frank Karlitschek, CEO & Founder, Nextcloud, open source advocate and privacy pioneer

As ideas flourish in friction, this diverse panel of panelists, with a broad spectrum of opinions, angles, and strategies, guarantees a thriving discussion to prepare the future of European tech innovation.

More than talk: the Nextcloud Summit 2025

Europe can do tech, but it’s time that we stop pretending like we can’t. With the Nextcloud Summit, we want to bring together experts, decision makers, and innovators to move from discussion to action. This day will be more than just about ideas on digital sovereignty. This is your chance to access real-world solutions that help organizations and governments take control of their digital future.

Apart from learning opportunities and discussions, the Nextcloud Summit will be your chance to connect with like-minded professionals and get a front-row seat to unique Nextcloud happenings. The morning will boast the global launch of Nextcloud Talk « Munich », while the afternoon will include the Nextcloud Awards ceremony. The post-event networking drinks on the rooftop promise plenty of networking opportunities, as well as a memorable ending to a thought-provoking day.