EU lawmakers seek stronger European cloud industry

European lawmakers have presented a joint draft report calling for common EU rules on cloud and AI infrastructure, greater investment in European technology companies and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers. The report addresses the European Commission’s proposed Cloud and AI Development Act, seeking to strengthen digital infrastructure and competitiveness while giving the bloc greater control over essential technologies.

The recommendations include encouraging public authorities to purchase cloud services from European providers, establishing shared standards and strengthening protections for healthcare, energy and transport. Lawmakers also want faster approval procedures for new data centres, subject to environmental requirements and benefits for local communities. Under the Commission’s proposal, the EU aims to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years.

According to the Commission, three non-European hyperscale cloud providers control more than 70% of the European cloud market. Lawmakers warn that this dependence leaves critical services vulnerable to decisions made outside Europe, framing technological sovereignty as the ability to act and choose rather than isolation. Parliamentary committees are expected to discuss the draft on 1 December, with a committee vote provisionally scheduled for mid-March 2027 and a plenary vote in April next year.