The European Union is drafting strict new criteria for cloud computing services that could limit U.S. tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft from securing highly critical state tenders. The proposal is part of the European Commission's forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act, which aims to reduce Europe's dependency on American technology and bolster its own digital sovereignty.
The draft rules introduce mandatory criteria that go beyond price, including requirements for software and hardware to be developed within the EU. This move is designed to ensure sensitive data is shielded from foreign laws, such as the U.S. CLOUD Act. While the proposal could still undergo changes, it signals a significant push to favor European cloud providers for sensitive public sector projects.