Microsoft Enhances Cloud Sovereignty for European Organizations
Microsoft is bolstering its cloud offerings for European customers with a suite of new tools and services designed to enhance data control and management. This move is part of the company’s commitment to supporting digital sovereignty across the continent.
The new features include Data Guardian, External Key Management, and Microsoft 365 Local. Data Guardian ensures that only Microsoft engineers based in Europe can oversee access to customer systems, with any external access requests monitored and approved in real-time by local staff. All activities are securely logged for transparency.
For highly regulated sectors, Microsoft has introduced various Sovereign Cloud options. Sovereign Public Cloud expands Microsoft’s cloud services across European regions to meet local compliance needs. Sovereign Private Cloud provides an isolated environment for critical services, integrating Microsoft 365 Local with enhanced security features. National Partner Clouds, operated by trusted local companies using Microsoft technology, offer another layer of sovereignty.
For instance, in France, Bleu—a joint venture between Orange and Capgemini—operates a secure “cloud of trust” for government and critical infrastructure. Microsoft is also supporting its partners in building cloud solutions that meet sovereignty requirements through the new Sovereign Cloud Specialisation within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program.
“In a time of geopolitical volatility, we are committed to providing digital stability,” said Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We continue to innovate while engaging in open dialogues with customers, policymakers, and regulators.”
These developments reflect Microsoft’s ongoing support for Europe’s digital sovereignty, offering customers greater choice, control, and resilience in a trusted cloud environment.
