European governments are increasingly reassessing their partnerships with Palantir, the US-based data analytics company whose platforms underpin military and intelligence operations worldwide. Concerns over data sovereignty, security vulnerabilities, and the company's controversial leadership have prompted several member states to seek European alternatives.
Derk Boswijk, the Dutch State Secretary for Defence, told the House of Representatives this week that a “fully fledged alternative” to Palantir must be operational within two years. The Netherlands has used Palantir since 2010 on a “very limited, compartmentalised, and small scale,” according to local media. Boswijk outlined a “two-track policy to reduce dependency” on the company, aiming for operational independence “as soon as possible.” Documents submitted to the Dutch parliament indicate a search for European-led solutions.
The Dutch move follows a 2025 parliamentary motion demanding greater independence from Palantir and a push for European alternatives. It also came in response to questions from MP Michelle Jagtenberg, who described the company as having a “racist and anti-democratic ideology.”
Security and Ethical Concerns Mount
Palantir’s technology, including its Gotham decision-making software, is used for military targeting and intelligence analysis. CEO Alex Karp has stated that the software is designed to be used as a deadly weapon. In an investor call, he said: “Palantir is here to disrupt … and, when it's necessary, to scare our enemies and, on occasion, kill them.” Critics also point to Karp’s reported comment that making war crimes constitutional would be good for business.
Human rights organisations like Amnesty International have raised alarms over Palantir’s handling of large datasets, particularly regarding privacy and transparency. The company’s contract with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the pandemic granted it “unprecedented access to the public’s health data records,” according to Amnesty. Palantir has also worked with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to locate migrant families, and signed a 2024 deal with the Israel Defence Forces for “war-related missions” in Gaza.
A recent UK parliamentary report described Palantir’s programmes as an “unacceptable point of weakness” for national security. Switzerland has rejected Palantir bids at least nine times over security concerns, and Denmark is actively seeking local alternatives to replace its seven-year contract for surveillance and data analytics platforms.
European Alternatives Gain Traction
Germany’s military has stated it will not contract US companies, including Palantir, for its database needs. Thomas Daum, head of Germany’s cyber defence, said: “As much as we are interested in the functionality for our own database, it is simply inconceivable at the moment to grant industry staff access to the national database.” Instead, Berlin is shortlisting European firms such as French company ChapsVision.
Spain signed a €16.5 million contract with Palantir in 2023, and over 40 Spanish companies now use its software, though public pushback remains limited. The UK, meanwhile, is under pressure to end its NHS contract by 2027 and find a local provider, while its Ministry of Defence signed a three-year, £240 million (€276 million) deal with Palantir for operational decision-making across NATO and allied systems.
The trend reflects broader European efforts to bolster technological sovereignty, especially in defence. As trust in the US as a NATO ally declines, governments are prioritising homegrown solutions. The EU is racing to finalise its defence omnibus, while countries like Italy seek to redirect defence loans to other priorities. Partnerships like Airbus and BMW teaming up with French AI startup Mistral signal a growing ecosystem of European defence tech.
Euronews Next contacted Palantir for comment but did not receive an immediate reply.
