Nukeproof: A Manifesto for European Data Sovereignty

A provocative new document has entered the global conversation on technology and governance. Titled Nukeproof, this manifesto presents a detailed and ambitious vision for the future of Europe's digital landscape. It arrives at a critical juncture, as nations worldwide grapple with the immense power of global technology platforms and the strategic importance of data.

The manifesto is not merely a critique but a constructive proposal. It outlines a path toward European data sovereignty, arguing that the continent must take decisive control of its digital destiny. This involves moving beyond fragmented national policies toward a unified, continent-wide strategy that ensures economic resilience and security.

The central thesis of the Nukeproof manifesto is that Europe's current digital infrastructure is fundamentally vulnerable. It posits that the continent's heavy reliance on services and platforms controlled by non-European entities creates significant strategic dependencies. These dependencies, the document argues, are not just economic but also political and security-related.

The manifesto makes a clear case for a paradigm shift. It calls for the development of a sovereign European digital ecosystem, one that is built on European values, governed by European laws, and controlled by European institutions. This vision encompasses everything from cloud computing and data storage to artificial intelligence and telecommunications networks.

Key pillars of this proposed sovereignty include:

• Establishing independent, large-scale cloud infrastructure
• Developing homegrown alternatives to dominant social and professional networks
• Creating a unified regulatory framework for data protection and digital rights
• Investing in European semiconductor and hardware manufacturing

The document situates the debate on data sovereignty within a broader geopolitical context. It highlights the growing tension between the United States and China in the technological arena, positioning Europe as a third power that must assert its own interests. The manifesto suggests that without a strong digital backbone, Europe risks becoming a passive consumer of technology rather than an active shaper of its future.

Security is a paramount concern. The text draws a direct line between data control and national security, suggesting that critical infrastructure and sensitive information are at risk when hosted on foreign-controlled servers. It implicitly references the strategic role of alliances like NATO, arguing that a digitally sovereign Europe would be a stronger, more reliable partner in any security framework.

The document frames data not just as a resource, but as a foundational element of modern sovereignty and territorial integrity.

While the manifesto is strong on vision, it also proposes concrete steps for implementation. It advocates for a coordinated effort involving governments, the private sector, and civil society. The scale of the ambition is continental, requiring unprecedented levels of collaboration between European Union member states and other European nations, including the United Kingdom.

The document likely outlines a phased approach, starting with foundational investments in infrastructure and talent. It would emphasize the need for public funding and incentives to stimulate the growth of a European tech industry. The goal is to create a virtuous cycle where investment leads to innovation, which in turn strengthens economic and strategic independence.

Challenges to this vision are acknowledged, including:

• The immense capital required for infrastructure build-out
• Overcoming entrenched market dominance by established players
• Harmonizing diverse legal and regulatory systems across nations
• Fostering a culture of innovation that can compete globally

The Nukeproof manifesto is ultimately a call to action. It is designed to spark debate and mobilize stakeholders around a shared objective. By presenting a clear, detailed alternative to the status quo, it challenges policymakers, business leaders, and citizens to consider what kind of digital future they want to inhabit.

The document's release is a significant event in the ongoing discourse about technology and society. It contributes a powerful voice to the conversation, one that is likely to influence policy discussions in Brussels and other European capitals for years to come. The conversation it starts is about more than just technology; it is about identity, autonomy, and power in the 21st century.

The Nukeproof manifesto presents a comprehensive and urgent case for European data sovereignty. It moves beyond criticism to offer a tangible vision for a more independent and secure digital future. The core message is that Europe must act decisively and collectively to shape its technological destiny.

The significance of this document lies in its scope and ambition. It connects technological infrastructure directly to economic prosperity and geopolitical strength. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the principles outlined in this manifesto will likely remain central to discussions about the future of Europe and its place in the global order.