Frankfurt: Amazon Web Services has launched a new cloud platform based entirely in Europe, aiming to address growing concerns among European users over data security and reliance on US-based technology providers.
The service, called the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, will operate through data centres that are both physically and legally separate from Amazon’s existing global cloud infrastructure. AWS said the setup would ensure European customer data remains within the continent and under European legal control.
Company executives said the cloud could continue operating even if the European Union were cut off from the internet or if the United States imposed restrictions on software exports. The move is designed to reassure governments and businesses handling sensitive data.
Demand for homegrown or independent cloud services has been rising across Europe, driven by concerns about US laws that allow authorities to access data held by American companies, even when that data is stored overseas.
Now generally available: the AWS European Sovereign Cloud.
Built & operated in Europe, designed to help you innovate and grow while maintaining digital sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/k8TZUS78At
— Amazon Web Services (@awscloud) January 15, 2026
Amazon’s rivals are also adjusting their strategies. Microsoft allows European customers to store data exclusively in European data centres upon request, while Google has invested billions of euros in expanding its data centre footprint in Germany.
AWS said its first European Sovereign Cloud data centre is under construction in Brandenburg, the German state surrounding Berlin. Additional facilities are planned in Germany and other European countries, supported by an investment of more than 7.8 billion euros.
The company said the new cloud will include strict security controls and legal safeguards that meet European government and business standards. Operations will be handled by a German company, with management and oversight roles filled by EU citizens. All staff working on the platform will eventually be required to hold EU citizenship.
