Denmark’s biggest cities say goodbye to Microsoft, citing concerns over Donald Trump's policies

Danish cities drop Microsoft over Trump’s tech policies and rising IT costs- Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark’s two largest cities, are officially cutting ties with Microsoft as their primary IT provider. The decision, announced in late May 2025, stems from a mix of political and financial concerns. Officials pointed to growing unease about relying on a U.S.-based tech giant while Donald Trump is in office, especially as global tensions rise. On top of that, the cities have seen a sharp increase in software costs. The move marks a significant shift in how European municipalities are rethinking digital sovereignty and long-term IT strategy.

Why are Danish cities moving away from Microsoft under Trump’s presidency?

Copenhagen officials made it clear that the current geopolitical environment under President Donald Trump played a role in their decision. According to Henrik Appel Espersen, head of the city’s audit committee, the risk of international relations breaking down could put local IT systems at risk. “If we suddenly can’t send emails or communicate internally because of a political fallout, that’s a huge problem,” he told Politiken.

Municipal leaders fear that, under pressure, a company like Microsoft could be forced by the U.S. government to restrict access to its services abroad. This fear of disruption in public operations is now shaping procurement decisions across the country.

How much were Copenhagen and Aarhus spending on Microsoft?

The rising cost of Microsoft services has raised eyebrows in both cities. According to Danish tech site Version2, total municipal spending on Microsoft software jumped from 313 million kroner in 2018 to 538 million kroner in 2023. That’s a massive 72% increase in just five years.

In Aarhus, where the switch has already started, the savings are very real. Bo Fristed, who leads the digital services department in the city’s culture and citizens’ division, said moving to a German cloud provider slashed their IT budget—from 800,000 kroner to 225,000 kroner annually.

Are European tech alternatives actually working out?

Aarhus has already replaced Microsoft with a German-based cloud provider, though the transition hasn’t been perfect. Fristed admitted that most of his department’s staff see the new system as a downgrade in terms of user experience. Still, the significant savings made the switch worthwhile.

In Copenhagen, a similar shift is being planned. While no official vendor has been named yet, a European alternative to Microsoft is likely to take over in the coming months.

Is Microsoft still deeply integrated in municipal systems?

Yes. Despite these changes, Microsoft is still embedded in many public systems. From Office programs to cloud storage and communication tools, the company’s products have long been the backbone of local IT infrastructure. That’s why this decision is both bold and challenging—it’s not just a software swap, it’s a full system overhaul.

Until recently, officials believed there were no real alternatives. That’s starting to change as European cities push for more control over their digital tools and data.

What does this move say about Europe’s digital independence?

This isn’t just a local issue—it’s part of a larger European movement toward digital sovereignty. The decision by Denmark’s two largest cities sends a message: relying too heavily on U.S. tech companies may no longer be safe or sustainable.

As Trump’s administration takes a tougher stance on global tech policy, European cities and governments are re-evaluating their IT partnerships. What’s happening in Copenhagen and Aarhus might be just the beginning.

FAQs:

Q1: Why did Danish cities drop Microsoft in 2025?
Due to rising costs and political risks under Trump’s U.S. tech policies.

Q2: What is Aarhus using instead of Microsoft?
Aarhus switched to a German cloud provider to reduce spending and risk.