The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to transition to the German workplace solution, Open Desk, instead of Microsoft software is generating considerable support in Berlin, framed as a powerful statement regarding digital sovereignty. The move, while seemingly technical, carries significant political weight amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and ongoing concerns about reliance on foreign technology providers.
Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs, lauded the shift in an interview with Handelsblatt, highlighting that the “Centre for Digital Sovereignty” had successfully developed a technological alternative to dominant market players. He characterized the ICC’s adoption of Open Desk as “a very good sign” for the acceptance of German-developed solutions on the international stage.
Beyond simple endorsement, the decision is prompting calls for a broader European strategy. SPD digital policy officials are emphasizing the symbolic impact, with Johannes Schätzl describing it as a “clear signal in times of growing geopolitical tensions”. His SPD colleague, Carolin Wagner, went further, labeling the move a “wake-up call” and advocating for a more robust German commitment to digital independence and technological self-determination.
The timing of this shift is particularly noteworthy. The ICC, tasked with investigating charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, has previously faced intense criticism from the U.S. government – particularly under the Trump administration – due to its investigations concerning the Middle East. The decision to adopt a German-developed platform, rather than relying on U.S.-based software, subtly underscores concerns about potential external influence and data security within the court’s operations.
Zendis, the organization responsible for developing Open Desk, explicitly aims to bolster digital independence within the public sector and to “avoid critical dependencies on individual technology providers”. The platform, a combination of components from eight European software companies released under an open-source license, positions itself as a transparent and sovereign alternative to proprietary systems. While the practical implications of this transition remain to be seen, the symbolic resonance – a global legal body opting for digital autonomy – is clear, challenging the established dominance of international technology giants and signaling a growing desire for digital sovereignty within Europe.