How to ensure European Data Sovereignty
In today’s world, maintaining control over personal and business data is more important than ever. European data sovereignty ensures that data is processed and stored under European laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation prevents unauthorized access by foreign governments.
Benefits of Cloud Sovereignty
Control over Data Access:
By storing data in a European cloud, you ensure access is governed by European laws.
Compliance with European Standards and rules:
European data is protected by privacy laws, unlike data stored in the US, where it is subject to laws such as the CLOUD Act.
Reduced Dependence on non-European Hyperscalers:
Choosing European cloud providers reduces risks associated with foreign data access and enhances security.
Why Choose Leaseweb
We have been a trusted Dutch cloud provider since 1997. With our contribution to the IPCEI-CIS project, we are committed to supporting the necessary developments for a European cloud alternative.
Headquarters & European Hub
Corporate HQ: Located in the European Union, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Leaseweb is a Dutch company governed by the GDPR, founded there in 1997, and has maintained its european headquarters in the Amsterdam region since 2007. Therefore, all Leaseweb data, including any data transfer, is governed by GDPR and, in addition, local data protection laws, under the local sovereignty.
European Sovereignty Hub: The Amsterdam HQ serves as the central hub for the European Cloud Campus, Leaseweb's sovereign cloud initiative, part of the EU‑funded IPCEI‑CIS program.
Legal Entity Organizational Structure
Leaseweb operates as a trademark under which multiple distinct legal entities provide services through separate Sales Entities, each governed by its own local legal and regulatory frameworks.
Each Leaseweb Sales Entity functions autonomously under its respective jurisdiction, subject to its own local sovereignty, without any data transfers from the US.
Choosing an EU Cloud Provider
Leaseweb is headquartered in the EU and operates through locally registered sovereign entities. Yet, many organizations still host their data with US-based hyperscalers, meaning that even if the data is physically stored in Europe, it can still be subject to non-European (often US) laws and regulations.
Choose Operational and Economic Sovereignty
Operational Dependence: Leaseweb gives you control with EU-based infrastructure and locally managed operations, so your services stay online, no matter what. Ensuring that your infrastructure's operation and availability are free from non-European influence is important. In a changing geopolitical climate, certainty in 'keeping things running' is paramount. History shows examples of infrastructure being 'switched off' due to actions taken outside of Europe.
Economic Dependence: With Leaseweb’s European presence and locally governed entities, your infrastructure stays protected from global economic disruptions. Mitigating impacts from tariffs, trade agreements, and similar external factors. By choosing European solutions, you reduce exposure to economic policies set outside of Europe.
Manage your Risk
The influence of US rules and regulations on data stored with US hyperscalers poses significant risks. This means that US companies or government agencies may gain access to your data, and your customers’ data, even if it’s stored in Europe. This can contradict European laws and data protection regulations. Leaseweb helps you reduce this risk. With our headquarters in the EU and locally registered sovereign entities, your data stays within European jurisdiction and under EU legal protection.
The Solution: European Cloud Campus
As part of the European Comission’s IPCEI-CIS initiative, Leaseweb is developing a European cloud alternative through the European Cloud campus, a project aimed at creating a sovereign cloud environment. This initiative not only provides essential infrastructure and increases the cloud knowledge level across the EU,but also offers companies prioritizing European data sovereignty a solution through Leaseweb's European services, while the European Cloud Campus itself delivers a compatible, cost-effective, and sovereign alternative to non-European hyperscalers.
Why Organizations Rely on Leaseweb’s Sovereign Cloud
"Leaseweb’s commitment to security and compliance aligns perfectly with our mission at Microfix. Their robust solutions have been crucial in helping us maintain the highest standards of data protection."
- Stéphane Auger, CTO, Équipe Microfix
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Since partnering with Leaseweb, Enable U has scaled its platform to serve millions of messages, ensuring that governments can deliver their services in a secure and reliable way to their citizens, companies, and employees.
"Leaseweb’s infrastructure allows us the freedom to innovate, providing the flexibility and partnership we need to serve our government clients reliably."
- Jascha Gregorowitsch, CTO, Enable U
Take the Data Sovereignty Check
Is your data stored in the EU?
Who controls access to your data?
Does your data processing comply with GDPR?
Under which legal jurisdiction does your data fall?
What security measures are in place to protect your data?
If you don’t know the answer to these questions, then get in touch with one of our experts.
