European Commission sets up Element as a backup to Microsoft Teams

• 

  The European Commission is setting up Element Pro as a backup to Microsoft Teams, not replacing Teams.

• 

  The service will run on the Commission’s own infrastructure and provide an alternative channel for internal communications.

• 

  The backup is intended to keep staff communicating if Microsoft’s service becomes unavailable.

• 

  The Commission initiative is not an EU-wide order to stop using Microsoft software.

• 

  Element is built on the Matrix open standard and supports self-hosting and decentralized operation.

Who

The European Commission.

What

It is setting up Element Pro as a backup to Microsoft Teams. Teams will remain the principal platform.

When

The Register published its article on 2026-10-10. The Commission’s deployment timing is Not stated.

Where

On the Commission’s own infrastructure.

Why

To provide an alternative communications channel and reduce disruption if an externally operated service becomes unavailable.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.