Microsoft's grip on Europe is loosening as governments seek domestic solutions. France's switch from Microsoft Azure to Scaleway reflects this trend, but challenges remain.
The CLOUD Act has added complexity, forcing tech giants to comply with law enforcement regardless of data location. Despite efforts like AWS Sovereign Cloud, concerns linger over backdoors and compliance.
Alternatives face steep odds, even as public contracts offer hope. Germany’s Lidl and France’s open-source embrace demonstrate the market's potential, though private sector resistance remains a hurdle.
Sovereignty in tech isn’t just about data; it's also about building homegrown solutions that respect EU values. Yet, practical concerns like cost and notoriety loom large for many companies.
