‘Absolute s–t’: EU’s Microsoft Teams alternative draws bad reviews from officials

politico.eu Oct 1, 2026

‘Absolute s–t’: EU’s Microsoft Teams alternative draws bad reviews from officials

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 1, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The European Commission launched Element Pro as a sovereign backup to Microsoft Teams, intended to secure internal communications if the U.S.-based platform becomes unavailable. Introduced over the summer, the tool is hosted on Commission infrastructure to enhance data control and reduce reliance on foreign technology. Despite its strategic purpose, three officials expressed strong criticism, labeling the system ineffective and describing it as “absolute shit.” They questioned its added value and warned that a U.S. outage would expose the Commission’s vulnerability. The rollout reflects Brussels’ broader push for digital sovereignty.

💡 Why It Matters

· By publicly rejecting a key backup tool, the Commission signals that European digital independence efforts may falter if domestic solutions fail to match established platforms.

Capsules Microsoft

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Microsoft adds native Linux container support directly to Windows 11

Sean Endicott, a seasoned Windows Central journalist, has been covering Microsoft’s software and hardware ecosystem since 2017. He reports on Windows 11 updates, Surface launches, Microsoft 365 changes, and the company’s AI initiatives. Endicott also authors the weekly “Windows Wrap” column, curating the week’s most critical tech stories. Prior to full‑time journalism, he earned a First Class Broadcast Journalism degree and worked in media production. Outside tech, he coaches youth American football in Nottingham, earning the BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year award in 2024.

💡 Endicott’s deep, consistent coverage offers readers reliable insight into Microsoft’s evolving strategy, helping professionals stay ahead of platform shifts. His dual focus on tech and community leadership exemplifies how industry experts can influence both digital and local spheres.