Microsoft has committed to protecting its European operations amid rising trans-Atlantic tensions, pledging to contest any U.S. government order that would force the company to suspend its cloud services on the continent. The tech giant’s president, Brad Smith, made this announcement at a conference in Brussels on April 30, 2025, as part of a broader effort to reassure European customers about the reliability of its services.
Microsoft’s Commitment to European Customers
Smith emphasized that while there’s currently no discussion in Washington about halting Microsoft’s European operations, the company understands the concerns of its European clients, which include various governments. “What we want Europeans to know is that they can count on us,” Smith stated. He further elaborated that if ordered to cease operations, Microsoft would “promptly and vigorously contest such a measure using all legal avenues available, including by pursuing litigation in court.”
Expanding Data Center Operations
As part of its commitment, Microsoft is expanding its data center operations across Europe. The company plans to increase its data center capacity by 40 in 16 countries over the next two years, an investment that will cost tens of billions of dollars annually. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing European concerns about data sovereignty and reliance on U.S.-based cloud service providers.
The expansion comes at a time when Europe is considering asserting its tech and data sovereignty by reducing its dependence on major U.S. cloud providers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Smith acknowledged this trend, stating that Microsoft is committed to collaborating with European companies and governments to address their concerns.
Addressing Concerns About Data Sovereignty
Microsoft’s pledge and expansion plans are part of a broader strategy to reassure European customers about the security and reliability of its cloud services. By committing to fight any potential U.S. government order to halt its European operations and by investing heavily in the region’s digital infrastructure, Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in the European market while addressing the evolving needs and concerns of its customers.
