Europe depends on outside technology for almost everything digital. The EU imports about 80% of its digital technology, and its share of the global IT market fell from 22% in 2013 to 18% in 2023, while US firms rose to 38%. That reliance is about whether Europe can decide its own security and future.

The EU's open source strategy positions Open Source Software (OSS) as a foundational building block for digital sovereignty. But open source doesn't automatically mean sovereignty. It's necessary, not sufficient. Sovereignty is a question of power, not licensing, and dependence doesn't disappear with OSS. It shifts to data ownership and power behind major platforms.

Through real-world examples, we'll show how OSS can build sovereign platforms without Big Tech dependence, what's worked and failed. For developers, architects and decision-makers, the talk will help you tell where sovereignty gains are real and illusory, and move from "why sovereignty matters" to "how we build it together".