SAFENet Doubles as 5 Tech Firms Push EU Digital Sovereignty

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-11

### SAFENet Doubles Membership as Five Tech Firms Join the Push for EU Digital Sovereignty SAFENet, a European network alliance focused on digital sovereignty, just doubled its membership. Five European technology companies have joined the effort to strengthen the region's digital independence and reduce reliance on foreign tech giants. This isn't just another industry group. It's a clear signal that Europe is getting serious about controlling its own digital destiny. And for anyone watching EU Inc news or tracking European startup incorporation, this move matters more than you might think. ### Why Digital Sovereignty Is Suddenly Everyone's Business For years, Europe has depended heavily on non-European cloud providers, chips, and software. That dependence has raised eyebrows—especially as global tensions rise and data privacy rules tighten. SAFENet's expansion shows that European companies aren't waiting for regulators to fix everything. They're banding together to build alternatives. The alliance now includes a broader mix of startups, scale-ups, and established players, all working toward one goal: a stronger, more self-reliant European tech ecosystem. Think of it like a neighborhood watch for digital infrastructure. Instead of relying on outsiders, these companies are pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and pushing for policies that favor homegrown innovation. ### What This Means for European Startups If you're founding or running a startup in Europe, this shift could open doors. Here's why: - **More funding and support**: Initiatives like SAFENet often attract public and private investment. That means more grants, partnerships, and pilot programs for startups aligned with digital sovereignty goals. - **Easier incorporation**: As the EU pushes for a more unified digital market, incorporating across borders may get simpler. The EU Inc proposal—still in early stages—aims to create a single set of rules for company formation, making it easier to scale across member states. - **Stronger bargaining power**: Joining an alliance gives smaller companies a louder voice when negotiating with big tech or lobbying for favorable regulations. ### The EU Inc Proposal: A Game-Changer in the Making? The EU Inc proposal is still a work in progress, but its ambition is clear: make it as easy to incorporate in Europe as it is in the US. Right now, founders face a patchwork of national laws, each with its own paperwork, taxes, and timelines. A unified EU Inc structure could change that. Imagine registering your startup once and operating anywhere in the EU. No more country-by-country legal headaches. That's the promise—and it's why so many founders are paying attention. Of course, nothing happens overnight. But SAFENet's growth shows that the momentum is real. Companies are already collaborating across borders, laying the groundwork for a more integrated European tech scene. ### What to Watch Next Keep an eye on how SAFENet evolves. Will it attract more members? Will it influence EU policy? And most importantly, will it help European startups compete globally without depending on foreign infrastructure? For now, the message is simple: Europe's digital sovereignty movement is gaining speed. And if you're building a startup in the EU, you might want to get on board.