Moreover, many organizations already operate in multicloud or hybrid cloud environments, which makes achieving complete independence logistically and operationally complex. Even if a company transitions some workloads to sovereign clouds, it’s likely that a multicloud strategy will still retain specific dependencies on US platforms. Such a strategy can reduce geopolitical and regulatory risks, but it introduces greater operational complexity, which costs more and requires advanced cloud management expertise.
Forrester’s analysis correctly highlights these obstacles, but it misses the ambition and capacity already present in Europe’s emerging sovereign cloud ecosystem. While change may be slow and piecemeal for most industries, the necessary tools and platforms are available today. Ultimately, it’s up to enterprises to decide whether they move forward.
How the EU can gain independence
Addressing the technical, financial, and operational challenges of reducing dependence on US-based cloud providers requires a structured approach, clear objectives, and practical steps. First, EU organizations need to focus on detailed planning and resource budgeting. Cloud sovereignty comes at a cost, and businesses must allocate resources carefully to ensure each step of the migration process is financially viable. Understanding the total cost of ownership is essential. This includes initial migration costs, personnel training, long-term operational expenses, and investments in skills development for managing new systems.
