Denmark Pushes to Reduce Reliance on US Cloud Providers

Denmark is stepping up efforts to reduce its dependence on US cloud providers, reflecting a broader European push for greater digital sovereignty.

Government officials and local authorities increasingly question whether sensitive public-sector data should remain with American technology companies. The debate has gained momentum because of concerns over foreign legislation, geopolitical tensions, and Europe’s long-term control over critical digital infrastructure.

Denmark Wants Greater Digital Independence

Several Danish municipalities have already begun moving away from US cloud providers or are reviewing alternatives for storing sensitive information.

Officials argue that government agencies should have stronger control over critical systems and citizen data. They also want to reduce the risks associated with relying heavily on foreign technology companies for essential public services.

US CLOUD Act Remains a Key Concern

Much of the discussion centers on the US CLOUD Act.

The law allows US authorities to request data from American technology companies under certain legal circumstances, even if the information is stored outside the United States. While providers can challenge some requests, European governments continue to debate whether the legislation creates an unacceptable risk for sensitive public-sector data.

Supporters of local cloud infrastructure argue that reducing dependence on US cloud providers could strengthen national security and improve control over government information.

Europe Expands Its Sovereign Cloud Strategy

Denmark’s position aligns with wider discussions across the European Union.

The European Commission plans to introduce new cloud policies designed to expand Europe’s own cloud infrastructure while encouraging investment in local data centers. Denmark intends to make those discussions a priority during its presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Several European cloud companies have also urged policymakers to give regional providers a greater role in public-sector projects involving sensitive information.

Transition Will Take Time

Despite the growing political support, replacing US cloud providers will not happen overnight.

Many government agencies depend on services from companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Migrating large amounts of data, applications, and internal systems requires significant funding, technical planning, and long-term investment.

Officials acknowledge that any transition must avoid disrupting essential public services while maintaining strong cybersecurity protections.

Digital Sovereignty Gains Momentum

Denmark’s latest position reflects a larger shift taking place across Europe.

Governments increasingly view cloud infrastructure as a strategic asset rather than simply an IT service. As digital sovereignty becomes a higher priority, European countries are expected to invest more heavily in domestic cloud services while reducing their reliance on US cloud providers for sensitive government workloads.