European Parliament Eyes July Vote on Tech Sovereignty Plan Backed by Pro-Bitcoin MEP

The European Union is preparing to take a significant step toward digital independence as the European Parliament prepares for a crucial vote this July on a technology sovereignty proposal. Spearheaded by Sarah Knafo, a pro-Bitcoin Member of the European Parliament (MEP), the proposal aims to reposition Europe as a global leader in tech innovation.

Europe Pushes for Digital Sovereignty

The proposal, developed by the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), outlines a bold strategy for strengthening the EU’s position in digital infrastructure, AI, semiconductors, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology. The committee approved the initiative on June 3, setting the stage for a vote during the next parliamentary session in July 2025.

While the proposal is non-binding, it lays the foundation for future EU policy direction and investment strategy, calling for reduced barriers to private tech investment, improved support for energy-efficient computing, and a greater emphasis on privacy and decentralization—particularly within the realm of digital finance.

Will the Parliament Approve the Proposal?

Knafo, who has become a vocal advocate for tech innovation and decentralized finance in the EU, believes there is a strong chance the vote will pass—if right-leaning parties hold firm.

“If all the right-wing parties support the text, and they should, there’s a good chance it will gain a majority,” said Knafo. “But we’re seeing pressure from left-wing parties on the center-right bloc. It will depend on whether they stand strong.”

Despite internal political friction, Knafo remains optimistic that this initiative could mark a turning point in how Europe competes with the United States and China in critical digital sectors.

Sarah Knafo’s announcement on ITRE adopting her proposal on tech sovereignty (translated by Google). Source: Sarah Knafo

EU at the Start of a Digital Revolution?

Knafo describes the current moment as the very beginning of a European digital awakening.

“Europe is still far behind,” she stated. “But we have the engineering talent and scientific expertise to catch up—what we need now is the right political framework to make it happen here, not overseas.”

Still, some critics remain unconvinced. In particular, media outlets in France have expressed skepticism that the proposal will win majority backing, pointing to political fragmentation and doubts about real follow-through from EU leadership.

Knafo's Bitcoin Vision vs. ECB's Digital Euro

Knafo has also made headlines for her firm opposition to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative, arguing instead for a strategic Bitcoin reserve to support financial resilience across the bloc.

“No to the digital euro, yes to a strategic Bitcoin reserve,” she declared in a fiery parliamentary speech in December 2024.

However, the ECB has taken a different route. Central bank leaders, including ECB President Christine Lagarde, have reaffirmed their commitment to the digital euro, citing the need to counter the growing influence of USD-pegged stablecoins. Lagarde also rejected the idea of holding Bitcoin in central bank reserves, labeling it too volatile and unsafe compared to traditional assets.

Read More: ECB Calls for Urgency in Digital Euro Development Amid Growing Global CBDC Race

The Bigger Picture: Sovereignty, Privacy, and Innovation

This latest proposal is more than a policy paper—it’s a political signal. Europe is trying to chart a course that supports technological independence, data privacy, and economic competitiveness, all while balancing regulatory oversight with innovation.

Whether or not the July vote passes, the momentum behind digital sovereignty and crypto-aligned innovation in the EU is clearly growing. And with figures like Knafo leading the charge, Europe may yet become a powerful force in the next phase of the global digital revolution.

Key Highlights:

• EU Parliament to vote in July on a digital sovereignty proposal.

• Focus areas include blockchain, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and semiconductor development.

• Sarah Knafo advocates for Bitcoin reserves, not a digital euro.

• Critics doubt political unity, but support for tech independence is building.

• Proposal aims to ensure Europe doesn't fall further behind the US and China.