Lack of data sovereignty remains significant
One in five organizations in the Netherlands is not data sovereign. This means they have insufficient visibility into where their data is located, under what legislation it falls, and who has access to it. Concerns about data protection are substantial. More than half of the respondents, 51 percent, fear that non-European authorities could gain access to corporate data, even when it is stored within the European Union. At the same time, concerns about future dependency are growing. For instance, 42 percent expect that European companies will become fully dependent on non-European cloud providers within five years unless strong European alternatives become available.
Cloud dependency versus control
Although organizations are becoming increasingly aware of these risks, control remains limited. One third of organizations, 32 percent, experience a lack of transparency from cloud providers regarding where data is stored and who has access to it. At the same time, a majority is actively trying to manage this. For example, 59 percent consciously avoid cloud providers where data sovereignty is not guaranteed. In contrast, 29 percent accept the risks as long as price and performance are favorable. This underscores a tension between technological dependency and commercial considerations.
Costs and knowledge are the biggest obstacles
For organizations that want more control over their data, costs are a significant barrier. 42 percent cite this as the biggest hurdle. Additionally, dependency on cloud providers, at 38 percent, and a lack of knowledge or expertise, at 34 percent, play a major role. Only 13 percent of organizations report experiencing no barriers at all. The conclusion is clear: the intention to become data sovereign exists, but the practical implementation proves complex.
Data sovereignty becomes a strategic priority
Despite these obstacles, the awareness that data sovereignty is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity is growing. For 36 percent of organizations, it is a top priority in the coming twelve months. Additionally, 43 percent are willing to accept higher costs if this contributes to European technological independence. Furthermore, 57 percent expect that organizations will only collaborate with cloud providers that can guarantee data sovereignty in the future. This indicates a clear shift in the market.
European cloud and AI remain focal points
Ronald van Heek, CEO of Proximus NXT Netherlands: "Organizations are increasingly aware of what data sovereignty entails and why it matters. But knowing is not the same as acting. The combination of cost considerations, supplier dependency, and limited knowledge means that many organizations still do not have sufficient control over their data. At the same time, we see that the willingness to invest in European solutions is growing. Especially now that the geopolitical context makes the issue increasingly urgent. Organizations would do well to take concrete steps now: map where your data is located and under what legislation it falls, develop policies for the use of AI tools with sensitive information, and actively assess cloud providers on their guarantees regarding data sovereignty."
Read more here: Data sovereignty under pressure from smart AI
