How Europe Plans to Build Its Own Tech Future
Apeldoorn, Sunday, 20 September 2026.
On October 6, 2026, a University of Amsterdam seminar will explore how Europe can break its dependence on foreign tech giants and build its own self-reliant digital infrastructure.
The Crossroads of European IT Autonomy
The upcoming seminar, titled “Europe’s Digital Sovereignty,” will take place in Apeldoorn on October 6, 2026, as a key feature of the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) Alumni Week 2026 [1]. Running from 18:00 to 22:00, this interactive session addresses a critical modern dilemma: whether Europe will remain permanently dependent on non-European Big Tech or successfully pivot toward a domestic market with viable alternatives aligned with European standards, regulations, and values [1]. The event is highly relevant for Dutch innovation managers and startup founders who must navigate increasingly complex EU regulatory frameworks while attempting to scale local technologies [GPT].
Expert Perspectives on Cloud Control and Cybersecurity
To address these infrastructure challenges, the seminar will convene leading experts from academia and industry [1]. Key speakers include Martijn Dekker, who serves as a Professor by Special Appointment in Information Security at the University of Amsterdam and as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at ABN AMRO Bank [1]. Joining him is Kristina Irion, an Associate Professor at the UvA’s Institute for Information Law (IViR) [1]. Their collective insights will delve into crucial themes of cloud control, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the broader geopolitical implications of digital autonomy [1].
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Public Cloud Policies
A central focus of the digital sovereignty debate is how public and private entities manage data storage and cloud infrastructure [1]. Machiel van der Wal, a privacy expert and consultant at Privacy Company, will share his research on the vulnerabilities of government cloud policies [1]. Van der Wal, who completed a degree in Complex Systems Engineering and Management at TU Delft before studying law, received the prestigious Brinkhof Internet Thesis Prize in 2024 for his Master’s thesis in Information Law at the UvA, which exposed policy deficiencies regarding non-EU legislation [1]. His work highlights the practical challenges European organizations face when relying on foreign cloud providers [1].
Assessing the Broader Societal Impact of AI and Digitalization
The discussion around digital sovereignty also intersects with the broader philosophical and social questions of technological progress [1]. Boudewijn Haverkort, who has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Twente since October 2024, has focused his recent research on whether the “digital dream” of rapid technological advancement truly delivers on its promises to society [1]. Having previously led national initiatives like Commit2data and the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Haverkort brings a wealth of experience in assessing how digitalization and AI impact public welfare and societal structures [1].
Connecting Future Innovators with Industry Alumni
In tandem with the Apeldoorn seminar, the University of Amsterdam is hosting a student-alumni networking event on October 6, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00 at De Brug on the Roeterseiland campus in Amsterdam [2][3]. This event, modified on the UvA platform on September 16, 2026, aims to connect international students and young alumni with established professionals to share career journeys and expand networks [2][3]. The panel features diverse alumni, including Rakesh Kanhai (Creative Director/educator), Jort Wildschut (CMO & founder at Sea Water), Damla Kartal (CMO at Totaalbed), Tahrim Ramdjan (investigative journalist), and Siesja Kamphuis (intelligence advisor at Politie Nederland) [2]. These concurrent events underscore UvA’s dual commitment to shaping high-level policy discussions and cultivating the next generation of Dutch tech and business leaders [1][2][3].