86% of Spaniards demand European tech platforms to reduce dependence

86% of Spaniards believe Europe should develop its own technology platforms to reduce digital dependence on the US and China, according to the first 'Digital Sovereignty in Europe 2026' survey by Fundación Telefónica and Metroscopia. The study, based on 2,000 citizen interviews and 300 business decision-makers, reveals widespread concern about Europe’s technological reliance.

Key findings

• 82% of citizens and 86% of companies consider Europe dependent on foreign tech firms Source: lavanguardia.
• 62% of citizens and 49% of companies view foreign tech presence as a security threat Source: abces.
• 87% of citizens and 91% of companies believe governments should promote European tech development Source: infobae.
• 78% of citizens think US giants like Google or Meta likely sell data without permission Source: abces.

Concern about data and security

90% of citizens worry about foreign access to banking data, and 85% about tax information Source: abces. Artificial intelligence and cloud services are the most sensitive areas: 73% of companies identify AI as the field with greatest non-European reliance Source: elconfidencial. 69% of citizens believe Europe is falling behind the US and China in tech Source: elconfidencial.

Willingness to adopt European alternatives

Despite 66–67% not knowing any European tech platform, 69–70% would prioritize a European alternative if it offered equal features Source: infobae, elconfidencial. Only 29% are familiar with the term 'digital sovereignty', yet the appetite for autonomy is clear. Isabel Salazar, director of Fundación Telefónica, stated their commitment to 'reduce dependency in strategic areas' Source: lavanguardia.