"An Estonian government IT agency is trialling European alternatives to US software providers, even as it moves many of the country's civil servants to a centrally-managed cloud computing service provided by Microsoft. Ergo Tars, the director of Riigi IT (RIT), told the country's national broadcaster ERR that it has no plans to ditch Microsoft or other US-based suppliers but wants to be prepared in case it is forced to do so."
"Tars said he had discussed dependence on US IT infrastructure with his counterparts in other European countries over the last year, and was developing a European alternative that could be ready for testing in the second half of 2025. As well as regulatory action, reasons include cost and risks based on data being held outside the country. According to RIT, around €400 of the €2,000 cost of each government agency workstation goes to Microsoft in licence fees."
An Estonian government IT agency is trialling European alternatives to US software providers while moving many civil servants to a centrally-managed Microsoft cloud. RIT has no plans to ditch Microsoft or other US suppliers but seeks preparedness in case of forced transition. Tars said the EU could deem US technology products untrustworthy, prompting development of a Europe-based alternative aimed for testing in the second half of 2025. Drivers include potential regulatory action, cost concerns, and risks from data held outside the country. Around €400 of each €2,000 workstation cost goes to Microsoft licence fees. RIT has moved about 8,500 of 25,000 workstations to the cloud, plans 15,000 within two years, and higher-security ministries will continue using alternatives. Estonia maintains digital resilience after major cyberattacks in 2007.
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