**Title: EU's Element Pro App Faces Criticism from Officials Amid Digital Sovereignty Push**
The European Commission's initiative to enhance its "digital sovereignty" by reducing dependence on US technology has encountered significant backlash following the introduction of its internal communications app, Element Pro. Designed as a "sovereign back-up" to Microsoft Teams, the app has not met the expectations of EU officials, who have expressed dissatisfaction with its functionality, as reported by Politico.
Element Pro was launched in July with the intention of ensuring "business continuity" in case of potential disruptions. In an internal memo to staff, the Commission emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, stating that it entails having greater control over data and systems to mitigate risks and minimize disruptions to work processes.
Developed by UK-based Element Creations, which has additional offices in France, Germany, and the US, Element Pro is marketed as a secure and interoperable communications platform. The app supports mobile messaging, desktop collaboration, voice and video communications, and email, all under an "end-to-end encrypted" system. Notably, the European Commission hosts the app on its own infrastructure rather than relying on Microsoft’s cloud services.
Despite the Commission's intentions, feedback from EU officials has been overwhelmingly negative. Reports indicate that users have struggled to see the app's benefits, with one official questioning its added value and another labeling it "absolute sh*t." A third official highlighted that, even with the introduction of Element Pro, the United States would still have a significant technological advantage, stating that Washington could "instantly win the war" if it chose to cut off the EU from its digital resources.
Some officials have attempted to defend the app, arguing that it provides assurance against unauthorized access by Microsoft. However, the overall sentiment among users appears to be one of frustration and disappointment.
Element Creations' CEO, Matthew Hodgson, responded to the criticism by noting that Element Pro is still in a trial phase within the European Commission. He attributed the difficulties experienced by officials to "cognitive dissonance" associated with transitioning to a new application.
The challenges faced by Element Pro come at a time when the European Union is actively seeking to develop alternatives to major US technology platforms. Critics of the EU's approach have labeled these efforts as digital protectionism. Earlier this year, France announced plans to replace US videoconferencing tools like Teams and Zoom with a domestically developed app called Visio by 2027. Additionally, the European Payments Initiative is pushing for a reduction in reliance on Visa and Mastercard within the bloc.
In a related development, Swedish company W Social has introduced a Europe-focused social network named W, which is set to be publicly launched across the EU by the end of 2026. Furthermore, reports from June indicated that the European Parliament is considering replacing Google with a Franco-German backed search engine as the default option on its computers.
As the EU continues to navigate its digital sovereignty strategy, the reception of Element Pro raises questions about the effectiveness of its initiatives and the challenges of transitioning to alternative technologies. The criticism from EU officials highlights the complexities involved in fostering a self-sufficient digital ecosystem within the bloc, as the Commission seeks to balance security concerns with the practicalities of user experience.