AWS Launches Independent European Cloud to Meet Sovereignty Requirements

AWS has launched the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, an independent cloud located in the European Union and designed to help customers meet the EU’s sovereignty requirements.

The cloud is physically and logically separate from other AWS regions, and it features technical controls, sovereign assurances and legal protections designed to meet the needs of European governments and enterprises for sensitive data, AWS said in a Thursday (Jan. 15) press release.

The AWS European Sovereign Cloud is operated exclusively by EU residents, does not depend on non-EU infrastructure and can operate independently from the rest of the world, according to the release.

The cloud also gives customers full control over where their data is stored, is protected by a strong physical and logical security boundary, and has a dedicated governance structure in Europe that is led by EU citizens, per the release.

AWS also plans to extend the footprint of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud to support in-country data residency and low latency requirements. It will expand this footprint beyond the current AWS Region in Germany by adding AWS Local Zones in Belgium, the Netherlands and Portugal, according to the release.

“Customers want the best of both worlds — they want to be able to use AWS’ full portfolio of cloud and AI services while ensuring they can meet their stringent sovereignty requirements,” Stéphane Israël, managing director of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud and digital sovereignty, said in the release. “By building a cloud that is European in its infrastructure, operations and governance, we’re empowering organizations to innovate with confidence while maintaining complete control over their digital assets.”

AWS said in May 2024 that it planned to invest €7.8 billion (about $9.1 billion) in the AWS European Sovereign Cloud in Germany through 2040. The company said this investment would support local talent and infrastructure to help provide the operational sovereignty required by its customers.

It was reported in June that calls for “digital sovereignty” were growing louder in Europe amid increased diplomatic and economic tension with the United States.

German software giant SAP announced in September that it was investing €20 billion (about $23.3 billion at the time) to expand its sovereign cloud services while betting on Europe’s desire to keep its data within its borders.

The company’s investment underpins an expanded SAP Sovereign Cloud portfolio that gives European customers access to a full technology stack while keeping sensitive data under local control and compliant with European regulations.