Insights
MAKONIS team · · 6 min read
In short: A sovereign cloud is a cloud environment in which data, operations and legal control demonstrably remain with the customer or within the EU. Three levels matter: data sovereignty (where data lives and who holds the keys), operational sovereignty (who runs the platform) and technological sovereignty (how easily you can switch).
Book a free callData sovereignty: storage in the EU, encryption with your own keys, clear access rights.
Operational sovereignty: operations and support by staff under EU law, traceable access.
Technological sovereignty: open standards such as Kubernetes and infrastructure as code so switching stays possible.
There is no single sovereign cloud, but different models with their own strengths.
| Model | Control | Feature range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperscaler with EU region | medium | very high | standard workloads |
| Hyperscaler sovereignty offering | high | high | regulated industries |
| European cloud provider | high | medium | sensitive data, AI |
| Private / hybrid cloud | very high | depends on design | core systems, special requirements |
Regulation such as NIS2, DORA and the EU AI Act requires traceable control over supply chains and data. At the same time many companies want to reduce dependency on single providers.
1. Classify data and workloads by protection needs.
2. Choose the right model for each class, often a combination.
3. Build the platform on open standards so workloads stay portable.
4. Document and regularly review operations, access and key management.
No. Location is only one aspect. Key management, operating staff and applicable law matter too.
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