EU Data Sovereignty: An Autonomy–Interdependence Governance Gap?

Abstract

The EU has explicitly linked the concept of data sovereignty to its ambitions as an international regulatory agenda‐setter in its position as self‐described geopolitical union. In particular, the EU has expressed repeatedly its desire to ensure its strategic autonomy, reducing its dependence on third countries and their key industries. The purpose of this article is to explore EU data governance ambitions by highlighting the gap between those autonomy aspirations and the reality of data interdependence on the ground. More specifically, through the framework of the “autonomy‐interdependence” governance gap, the article proposes to analyse the clash between the EU’s desire to ensure autonomy and the inherently interdependent nature of data flows between states, and its dependence on non‐EU data servers. Using the case study of semiconductor supply chains, this article analyses the data dimension of this EU‐designated critical technology, and the flows of information relating to the research, design, and fabrication of these chips. Considering the EU’s attempts to control data under its Data Act and Data Governance Act, it argues that the EU will have considerable difficulty in operationalising these data sovereignty ambitions, particularly as they relate to ensuring that all data stays within the EU, or within its sphere of regulatory influence.

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