Eyeing a Secure Europe: Greens spearhead call for EU Cloud Strategy
Environmental politician advocates for a fresh approach to cloud computing across Europe
In an interview with Reuters, co-leader of the Greens, Franziska Brantner, is rallying for a unified European cloud strategy. The urgency stems from potential restrictions by the new U.S. administration, as demonstrated by the Ukraine conflict where American legal grounds sanctioned cloud providers to expel specific companies from their clouds. While initially targeting Russian oligarchs' firms, this move could just as easily impact German or European companies.
"The importance of EU-based data centers isn't enough," Brantner warned. "We require a strategy that consistently safeguards data in Europe, ensuring our businesses have a solid, secure foundation," she added.
The call for action isn't isolated. Former research minister Cem Özdemir and scientific organizations echo similar concerns, particularly regarding data safety in the US. The unease arises due to the U.S. government slashing state funding for politically unfavorable fields such as climate research, gender studies, and medical topics.
Brantner also advocated for a significant EU program to welcome scientists from the US and other regions where they might face political hurdles. She emphasized that this isn't merely about American scholars, but also foreign researchers who find themselves unwelcome in their home countries.
This call for a Europe-centric cloud strategy is part of a broader approach to secure essential digital infrastructure and maintain European competitiveness. The strategy involves a blend of reinforced data sovereignty, regulatory simplification, sustainability, and AI-powered innovation. The EU Cloud and AI Development Act, for instance, aims to increase the availability of highly secure, EU-based cloud infrastructure, paving the way for the EU to lead in AI technology.
As geopolitical uncertainties loom, the European Union is proactively building robust digital foundations. This approach not only safeguards businesses from external restrictions but also positions Europe as a global leader in AI and digital innovation. By securing its data, attracting top talent, and fostering an innovative and sustainable digital landscape, the EU empowers its businesses to thrive amidst a competitive global market.
- Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, warned Reuters about the need for a unified European cloud strategy, citing potential restrictions by the new U.S. administration and the Ukraine conflict as reasons.
- Brantner emphasized the importance of a strategy that consistently safeguards European data, ensuring businesses have a secure foundation.
- The call for a Europe-centric cloud strategy also includes a significant EU program to welcome scientists from regions where they might face political hurdles.
- The EU Cloud and AI Development Act, part of this strategy, aims to increase the availability of highly secure, EU-based cloud infrastructure, paving the way for the EU to lead in AI technology.
- As geopolitical uncertainties loom, the European Union is proactively building robust digital foundations, securing its data, attracting top talent, and fostering an innovative and sustainable digital landscape to maintain European competitiveness and position itself as a global leader in AI and digital innovation.
