The European Commission is establishing a self-hosted messaging platform based on Element to maintain internal communications if Microsoft Teams experiences an outage. This initiative creates a contingency channel for staff, not a full replacement of Teams, which will remain the primary tool.

The effort stems from concerns that U.S.-based technology providers could restrict access to services for European institutions under certain political or security scenarios. Recent examples, such as Canadian judge Kimberly Prost losing access to digital services after a dispute involving the International Criminal Court, illustrate how reliance on external platforms can create operational vulnerabilities.

The Commission has configured Element Pro to operate on its own infrastructure, enabling internal messaging, video calls, file sharing, and collaborative workspaces. The platform runs on the Matrix protocol, an open standard that supports decentralized, self-hosted communication systems. This architecture allows the Commission to maintain control over data and systems, reducing exposure to external disruptions.

A staff memo emphasized that digital sovereignty requires greater control over data and systems to minimize risks and ensure continuity of work. Element’s design aligns with this goal, offering end-to-end encryption and compatibility with other Matrix-based services. While the EC is not mandating a full transition from Microsoft, the backup system reflects a broader push toward technological independence.

Some users have expressed frustration with the change, but officials expect short-term adjustments to give way to long-term benefits. Element has stated that government and defense organizations are adopting sovereign alternatives to ensure operational resilience during crises. Feedback from pilot deployments has been largely constructive, with the company noting that open source solutions are increasingly viable as alternatives to dominant tech vendors.

The initiative underscores a growing emphasis on resilience in digital infrastructure, particularly among institutions seeking to mitigate risks tied to geopolitical tensions or service disruptions.