Did you know that the cloud services market is practically ruled by a handful of American giants? Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud dominate this space, controlling an overwhelming majority of the European market. Sure, they boast about their data centers in Europe, but the truth is, the control over our data – and the revenue it generates – still flows across the Atlantic to the United States.

Meanwhile, Europe’s cloud landscape is far from barren. Providers like OVHcloud, Scaleway, Exoscale, Aruba, and CloudFerro offer robust alternatives, designed with European privacy laws in mind. The challenge? Switching to European solutions isn’t always easy. For some businesses, it’s inertia. For others, it’s the fear that the functionality won’t stack up compared to the big three. And yes, it’s true that we’re not comparing equals in scale. But relying on American cloud services isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s also a potential vulnerability.

Let’s talk privacy. U.S.-based companies are governed by U.S. laws, including the infamous CLOUD Act, which grants American authorities access to data stored by U.S. firms anywhere in the world. European providers, on the other hand, adhere to GDPR – one of the world’s strictest data protection laws, built to prioritize personal privacy. But that’s not the only issue. Every euro spent on U.S. cloud services primarily enriches their economy, not ours. Shouldn’t European businesses support solutions that strengthen our economy and technological independence?

Switching to European providers isn’t always seamless – we get that. Not every feature you find in AWS or Google Cloud will have a direct counterpart in OVHcloud or Scaleway. But the long-term benefits? They’re worth considering. As trade wars intensify and the future of global technology grows more uncertain, entrusting our data to local companies isn’t just smart – it’s an investment in Europe’s independence.

At Made in Europe, we believe European data deserves to be protected under European laws and values. That’s why we champion local providers and their growth. It’s a small step toward a big change for Europe’s digital sovereignty and a stronger future for us all.