Europe already has high-performing cloud providers, innovative software solutions, robust infrastructures and a technology ecosystem that is reaching maturity. During a panel discussion at the Nexus conference alongside Serge Dupouy (OVHcloud) and Benjamin Lerouge (Sharekey), we explored what a more sovereign digital Europe could look like. The challenge is no longer to prove that European alternatives exist, but to bring these strengths together and build an ecosystem capable of competing with the world's leading technology players.
Digital sovereignty has become a strategic priority for Europe. For decades, our continent has relied heavily on American and Asian technologies, from hardware to software. Increasing geopolitical tensions and international trade disputes are now highlighting the risks associated with this dependency.
The good news is that Europe already possesses the technologies, skills and infrastructures needed to strengthen its autonomy. The real challenge lies in bringing together the right stakeholders, connecting the pieces of the puzzle and creating a thriving digital ecosystem.
Sovereignty Goes Beyond Data Hosting
When digital sovereignty is discussed, data location is often the first topic raised. Organizations legitimately ask essential questions: Who can access my data? Under which jurisdiction does it fall? Who controls the encryption keys?
These have become standard questions when evaluating digital solutions. Yet sovereignty should not be reduced to these considerations alone.
Sharekey, for example, has implemented a compelling model in which encryption keys remain exclusively under the control of users. This is an excellent starting point, but sovereignty extends across multiple layers. It involves data, certainly, but also the technologies being used, software dependencies, hosting infrastructures and even the ownership structures of the companies developing these solutions.
As the saying goes: "He who pays the orchestra calls the tune."
As long as Europe does not fully control its infrastructures, technologies and the economic actors behind them, a degree of dependency will remain.
Europe Already Has Strong Foundations
The encouraging news is that Europe has already begun its journey toward greater digital sovereignty by building on existing strengths.
Too often, we underestimate our own capabilities. Europe is a global leader in trust, regulation and digital governance. Over the years, the continent has developed internationally recognised standards for data protection, cybersecurity and compliance.
Europe also benefits from robust infrastructures, a strong culture of open source and interoperability, and a highly skilled technology workforce. Open technologies have now reached a level of maturity, performance and security that fully meets the needs of businesses and critical organisations.
These assets provide a solid foundation for developing sovereign digital solutions without compromising innovation.
The Myth of Europe's Technological Lag
One of the most persistent misconceptions is the belief that European technology providers are unable to deliver services comparable to those of global hyperscalers.
In reality, this perception no longer reflects the market.
European cloud providers now offer solutions that cover the full spectrum of organisational needs, including cloud infrastructure, software services, data platforms, artificial intelligence and managed services.
In my view, sovereign environments can even become a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness.
Innovation teams often develop projects within traditional public-cloud environments only to encounter compliance and security challenges when moving into production. By building directly within a sovereign environment, these critical requirements are addressed from the outset, saving valuable time and reducing complexity later on.
No European Sovereignty Without Cooperation
The challenge is therefore no longer technological.
It is now about our collective ability, as European stakeholders, to work together. If we want to succeed, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, European technology providers must strengthen collaboration, combine their expertise and assemble all the building blocks required for genuine digital autonomy.
When we think about global technology giants, we often focus on the companies themselves and overlook the vast ecosystems that support them: technology partners, start-ups, consulting firms, joint ventures, industry associations, investment funds and many others.
Together, these actors represent enormous economic power. Many of them, including European organisations, operate according to rational business interests and may not always have a direct incentive to reshape the market.
As a result, the objective is not simply to develop European alternatives one technology at a time. It is also about creating and energising entire ecosystems capable of driving innovation, generating synergies, shaping markets, supporting economic growth and ultimately strengthening European sovereignty.
Schengen Cloud Alliance: The European Consortium Founded by DEEP, OVHcloud and Clever Cloud
This commitment to cooperation is taking shape through the Schengen Cloud Alliance, a European consortium initiated by DEEP, OVHcloud and Clever Cloud.
Our ambition is clear: to provide sovereign cloud services that guarantee the highest level of protection for sensitive data while ensuring complete technological independence from non-European providers.
The goal is not to build a single, rigid solution, but rather a dynamic ecosystem capable of delivering interoperable, open and complementary services.
Customer choice remains essential.
Our responsibility is to be good enough that customers stay because they want to, while ensuring they can leave easily if they choose to do so.
Building Europe's Digital Future Today
The conclusion is clear: Europe already possesses the essential building blocks required to achieve digital sovereignty.
From software solutions and cloud infrastructures to data platforms, skills and open standards, the foundations are already in place. The next step is to strengthen collaboration, promote interoperability and accelerate the adoption of European solutions.
One of the key challenges in the years ahead will be to develop and support high-value partnerships. Innovation thrives through collaboration, while isolation inevitably limits growth and progress.
At the same time, European businesses and organisations must place greater trust in solutions developed within Europe and accelerate their adoption.
Europe now has the technologies, talent and infrastructures it needs. The challenge is no longer to formulate another ambition for digital sovereignty. It is to turn that ambition into reality, together.
