Amazon’s European Cloud Faces Sovereignty Questions
Amazon is revamping its European cloud services to address concerns about data sovereignty. The move comes amid rising worries about the potential impact of U.S. sanctions on access to critical technology. This is especially pertinent given the existing dependence on American tech giants.
New Governance Structure
Amazon recently announced modifications to its “sovereign offer” in Europe. These alterations aim to guarantee independent and uninterrupted operations. According to reports, Amazon has briefed its staff on how to address customer inquiries. They should explain that the company would, “do everything practically possible to provide continuity of service”
should sanctions arise.
Concerns Over U.S. Influence
Experts are now questioning how much influence U.S. corporations have when confronting the White House. “If that political dimension turns hostile, how credible is it that companies with the best intentions can challenge their president?”
questioned Cristina Caffarra, an economist from University College London.
International Criminal Court Impact
The recent news about the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, losing access to his Microsoft-hosted email due to U.S. sanctions has amplified these concerns. Microsoft refrained from detailing its precise involvement. It merely stated that it never ceased or suspended services to the ICC.
Calls for Independence
Aura Salla, a Finnish lawmaker in the European Parliament, responded to the ICC news by stating that U.S. companies must comply with U.S. laws. She also added that this meant Europeans cannot trust the reliability and security of American operating systems.
Many experts are advocating for a true European technology alternative. “It’s become clear that Europe must not depend on any external power that holds the ability to pull the plug,”
stated Francesca Bria, an innovation professor at University College London.
The Financial Reality
The push for Europe to move away from U.S. cloud services faces a significant challenge: dismantling American technological dominance is neither easy nor cheap. According to a report, the EU is projected to spend over €300 billion on digital transformation by 2030, emphasizing the scale of the undertaking (Statista 2024).
Ultimately, the Amazon adjustments highlight the ongoing balancing act between global technological reliance and national data sovereignty. It underscores the need for Europe to secure its own digital infrastructure in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.