European cloud strategy grows from public tender
An agreement was reached to broaden accommodation services within the public sector, with Seer, a large American technology firm, presenting options to public institutions across the European Union. The move signals a widening shift toward modern cloud-based infrastructure that aims to serve government needs with enhanced efficiency and reliability.
The rollout of Oracle’s infrastructure is set to unfold over six years, a timeline established after a competitive tender process. The arrangement will give EU institutions access to advanced cloud capabilities, including scalability, robust security, flexibility, and dependable performance, as outlined in the company’s public statement.
Oracle further noted that its services will adhere to strict data protection standards, a priority given the sensitive nature of information handled by member states and the EU institutions themselves. This emphasis on privacy aligns with ongoing regulatory expectations across Europe.
“Sovereign cloud”
In recent months Oracle has announced the deployment of a sovereign cloud tailored for European clients, with Europe-based operations centers located in Madrid and Germany. These services are designed to support sectors with stringent regulatory requirements, including the public sector as well as banking and healthcare.
Oracle describes sovereign cloud as an option for clients whose activities demand compliance with European data residency and sovereignty rules. The approach ensures the cloud meets legal standards at the highest possible level, according to Albert Triola, Oracle Spain’s chief executive, who spoke during the launch of the Spanish sovereign cloud last June.
Other major players in the cloud space, such as Amazon Web Services, are likewise pursuing compliance with European data protection and sovereignty standards as they continue expanding their footprints on the continent.
European governance and strategy
Brussels continues to stress the importance of technological leadership as a way to differentiate from historical models rooted in the United States and China. The President of the European Commission has framed sovereignty as the ability of the EU to make its own decisions, guided by European values and rules. This philosophy underpins efforts to build and protect a European cloud ecosystem that can stand alongside global hyperscalers while preserving strategic autonomy. [Attribution: European Commission briefing materials]
While Oracle’s infrastructure meets European regulatory requirements, questions persist about choosing a US-based supplier over a European option. The Commission’s approach aims to support a robust national cloud sector and to leverage the strengths of large, established global providers that have strong European operations. This includes familiar names in the market that dominate the sector and are expanding services within the EU. [Attribution: EU policy statements]