CEO of Schwarz Group welcomes Trump's clear stance on Europe

Gerd Chrzanowski, CEO of Schwarz Group since late 2021, has spoken out in support of Donald Trump’s recent remarks to Europe. He described the U.S. president’s blunt address as a necessary 'wake-up call' for the continent. Chrzanowski also warned about Europe’s growing dependence on American cloud services, pointing to potential vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure.

Chrzanowski highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on U.S. technology, using the temporary shutdown of Microsoft’s cloud services for the Israeli military as a cautionary example. His concerns come as Schwarz Group, which owns Lidl, Kaufland, and cloud provider STACKIT, pushes for greater digital sovereignty in Europe.

The company has been expanding its tech partnerships under Chrzanowski’s leadership. Key collaborators include Deutsche Telekom for an AI Gigafactory project, BTC AG through a strategic cloud partnership with STACKIT, and potential investment from Brookfield in the AI initiative. Schwarz Group has also invested in or teamed up with Aleph Alpha (AI), Bosch, SAP, Deutsche Bahn (DataHub Europe), and SentinelOne (cybersecurity with XM Cyber). These moves reflect a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign tech providers while strengthening Europe’s own capabilities. Chrzanowski’s warnings align with the group’s push for homegrown solutions in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Schwarz Group’s partnerships and investments signal a shift toward greater European independence in technology. By working with major firms like Deutsche Telekom, Bosch, and SAP, the company aims to build resilience against external disruptions. Chrzanowski’s stance reinforces the urgency of this transition, framing it as both a business priority and a strategic necessity.