The European Union is taking a fresh step toward reducing reliance on foreign technology platforms, with the European Commission exploring an open-source communication system as a potential alternative to Microsoft Teams.
The move reflects growing momentum behind Europe’s long-standing goal of “digital sovereignty,” shifting the debate from policy discussions to the practical tools used daily for messaging, video calls and collaboration across EU institutions.
Matrix protocol under evaluation
According to reports, the Commission has begun assessing Matrix, an open-source messaging standard designed to give organisations full control over their communication infrastructure and data.
Unlike a single proprietary application, Matrix operates as a federated protocol. This allows different organisations to host their own servers while still communicating seamlessly with others. The system supports group chats, collaboration spaces and end-to-end encryption, while enabling interoperability across platforms.
The technology aligns with the EU’s regulatory framework, including requirements under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to reduce dependence on dominant technology providers and promote open ecosystems.
A pilot phase, not an immediate replacement
Officials have emphasised that the initiative does not signal the immediate removal of Microsoft Teams from EU operations. Instead, the Commission has entered a testing phase to evaluate performance, user experience and operational challenges in a large institutional environment.
The pilot will help determine whether Matrix can handle the scale and complexity of communications across thousands of employees, while also identifying potential friction points before any broader rollout.
Part of a wider European shift
The Commission’s exploration comes amid a broader trend across Europe. Several governments, including France, have already announced plans to gradually replace widely used platforms such as Teams and Zoom with locally controlled or open-source alternatives.
The focus has expanded beyond the physical location of data to include ownership of the underlying code and the legal jurisdiction governing access to information—concerns heightened by geopolitical tensions and cross-border data laws.
Challenges ahead
Despite its advantages, replacing Teams presents significant hurdles. Microsoft’s platform is deeply integrated with calendars, document workflows and enterprise productivity tools. Replicating that ecosystem—or ensuring smooth interoperability—will be critical to avoiding disruptions.
The EU’s key challenge will be reducing vendor dependence without sacrificing efficiency or creating a fragmented user experience.
For now, the Matrix trial represents a cautious but symbolic step: a move from policy ambition toward practical implementation as Europe tests how far it can go in reclaiming control over its digital infrastructure.
