- Amazon announced plans to launch an independent cloud for Europe, catered towards highly-regulated industries and the public sector.
- The Amazon Web Services European Sovereign Cloud will be located within Europe, separate from the company’s other cloud operations.
- This move highlights the importance for businesses to comply with Europe’s data privacy regulations and the region’s push for “digital sovereignty.”
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) logo, presented during the Mobile World Congress 2023.
Joan Cros | Nurphoto | Getty Images
Yesterday, Amazon announced its intention to create an independent cloud service for Europe, specifically targeting regulated industries and the public sector.
Known as the Amazon Web Services European Sovereign Cloud, this new system will operate within Europe and be distinct from Amazon’s existing cloud operations.
Customers using this system will have the ability to store their data within the European Union, with control of operations and support held exclusively by EU-based AWS employees.
According to Amazon, this ensures that customer data will not be accessed or utilized without their consent, making it one of the most secure options for cloud services.
The introduction of the new Amazon cloud system emphasizes the necessity for businesses to comply with Europe’s strict data privacy regulations and the region’s push for “digital sovereignty.” “Digital sovereignty” refers to Europe’s desire to have control over its own data and technology, as well as the development of critical technology within the region.
As more government agencies and critical businesses transition to public cloud services, such as Amazon or Microsoft, concerns have arisen regarding the storage of data on servers located outside of Europe. Some cloud features require the transfer of data to and from the EU, raising worries about unauthorized access.
Amazon’s sovereign cloud aims to alleviate these concerns and provide a more secure option for European businesses.
Max Peterson, Vice President of Sovereign Cloud at AWS, stated in a press release, “The AWS European Sovereign Cloud reinforces our commitment to offering AWS customers the most advanced set of sovereignty controls, privacy safeguards, and security features available in the cloud.”
To reduce reliance on foreign cloud providers, particularly those from the U.S., the European Union initiated Gaia X. This project aims to connect various cloud providers within the region, providing European businesses with more options.
Major U.S. technology companies have also made efforts to meet Europe’s demand for “sovereign” clouds. Google Cloud introduced features last year to restrict access to European data by EU residents. Additionally, Microsoft released its “Cloud for Sovereignty” features in an effort to enhance data control for customers.
