France's Tech Past: A Lesson for EU Sovereignty

In the 1960s, France demonstrated significant technological prowess, independently launching the Astérix satellite and pioneering advancements like the Concorde supersonic jet and the TGV high-speed rail. Before the widespread adoption of the internet, France developed the Minitel system in the 1980s, offering early digital services such as banking, shopping, and communication. This period highlights France's historical focus on technology serving a collective purpose, a lesson relevant for the European Union.

As the EU navigates competition from the US and China, it has an opportunity to assert its own tech sovereignty. Learning from France's independent spirit, the Union can move beyond merely resisting foreign influence. By prioritizing technology that benefits its citizens and fosters democratic control, the EU can carve a distinct path, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of monopolistic tech giants and their negative societal impacts.