European Commission builds backup chat system to avoid US service outages

The European Commission is implementing a self-hosted communication alternative to Microsoft Teams to ensure operational continuity. Rather than replacing their existing software, the organization is deploying Element Pro as a secondary backup system. This move follows internal pushback from staff regarding the new tool, though the initiative is designed to maintain essential communication channels should primary American-based services become inaccessible.

This strategic shift highlights the growing necessity for digital sovereignty within European institutions. By establishing an open-source fallback, the Commission aims to mitigate risks associated with potential service disruptions or government-mandated shutdowns by US technology providers. For business leaders and technical teams, this situation underscores the importance of evaluating the reliability, safety, and cost of critical infrastructure, specifically regarding how organizations manage sudden service outages.