Hi, I am Pieter Lacroix, Managing Director of Leaseweb Netherlands. I recently joined host Sander Hulsman to unpack one of the most pressing issues in today’s digital landscape: data sovereignty, and why it’s rapidly becoming a critical concern for European businesses and governments alike.
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:
What Is Data Sovereignty, Really?
There is often confusion between data residency (where your data is physically stored) and data sovereignty (who has legal and technical control over your data). While many providers offer local storage, true sovereignty also requires:
- Transparent control mechanisms
- Open-source software (avoiding vendor lock-in)
- Jurisdictional protections aligned with local and EU laws
Europe Is Waking Up, Fast
The urgency around data sovereignty has spiked due to recent geopolitical developments. Governments and organizations are now reevaluating the risks of foreign control, especially under laws like the U.S. Cloud Act, which allows American authorities to access global data stored by U.S. providers.
Europe isn’t starting from scratch, though. We talk through how initiatives like IPCEI-CIS (Important Project of Common European Interest – Cloud Infrastructure Services) are accelerating the roadmap for European cloud alternatives.
For more on this initiative, make sure to explore our initiative: European Cloud Campus page.
A Dutch Perspective: Why It Matters Locally
The Netherlands, as a proud knowledge economy, has a lot to lose if control over IP, R&D, and sensitive data slips abroad. We emphasize that for both public and private sectors, trusting data to European providers isn’t just about compliance, it’s about economic independence and long-term innovation.
The Hyperscaler Challenge
While U.S. hyperscalers offer an excellent user experience the convenience often comes with hidden costs. Ranging from legal exposure and limited transparency to the risk of vendor lock-in.
The good news?
Around 80% of typical use cases can already be served by European alternatives, with added benefits like open-source foundations and no lock-in.
A Call for Collaboration
To truly compete, European players must work together. Leaseweb advocates for an open, cooperative ecosystem. One built on shared standards and transparent practices. Governments, too, have a role to play in:
- Raising awareness of data risks
- Creating a quality certification framework
- Supporting cloud education and talent development
Looking Ahead: An “EU-First” Future?
A shift toward an “EU-unless” policy is predicted, especially in the public sector, where European providers become the default unless there’s a strong reason not to use them. While businesses may still have a choice, the political and economic trends suggest data sovereignty will only become more important in the years to come.
For more on Data Sovereignty, explore our sovereignty page.