News item | 15-07-2025 | 13:03
On Friday, July 11, the Dutch Non Paper ‘Strengthening Cloud Sovereightty of Public Administrations’ was adopted. This document argues from the Netherlands for a number of measures in a European context for the use of cloud technology by governments. These measures must contribute to more action in EU context to strengthen the sovereignty of governments with regard to cloud technologies.
To ensure that governments in the EU become more independent in their use of cloud technologies, the EU must take different actions. For example, the Non Paper calls for the development of a clear definition of cloud sovereignty, more possibilities for steering sovereignty in the European tender guidelines, and stimulating the use of open applications and standards. In addition, it is proposed to develop an assessment framework in a European context, which can help governments make conscious choices for the use of public cloud services. Furthermore, it is important that sufficient financing options are made available for the development and use of these technologies.
Connection with EU proposals and NDS
The Non Paper is in line with the announced proposals from the European Commission at the age of Cloud: the recommendation EU-Wide Cloud Policy for Public Administrations and Procurement and the bill Cloud and AI Development Act. Both proposals are expected at the beginning of 2026. In addition, it is in line with the ambitions of the NDS, in which the government, municipalities, provinces, water boards and implementing organizations work together on a safe and reliable digital government.