Cispe Advocates for Genuine Cloud Sovereignty Principles

The Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (Cispe) has formally addressed the European Commission regarding the forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act (Caida). In a letter signed by 24 member leaders, including executives from firms like Numspot and Clever Cloud, they emphasized the need for clear definitions surrounding "sovereignty" in the act to deter the misleading claims of foreign companies promoting themselves as sovereign cloud providers. Cispe seeks regulatory clarity that supports the establishment of a competitive, Europe-based cloud ecosystem and bolsters security measures against extraterritorial laws such as the U.S. Cloud Act.

Cispe's appeal highlights the risk of 'sovereign washing,' where companies leverage their EU presence to claim sovereignty without substantial control over technologies. They advocate for stricter guidelines defining sovereignty based on effective technology ownership, coupled with specific reserved markets for sensitive data, ensuring local actors have equal access. By mobilizing public investments in cloud and AI, Cispe aims to boost local alternatives for essential components like memory and processors, thereby enhancing the EU's technological independence and reducing dependency on non-European suppliers.