Sovereign European Cloud API launched to boost autonomy

Aruba, IONOS, and Dynamo have announced the launch of the Sovereign European Cloud API (SECA), a new open standard aimed at enhancing cloud interoperability and bolstering digital sovereignty within Europe.

The introduction of SECA seeks to address several pressing challenges identified by European businesses and public sector entities, including concerns over vendor lock-in, data security, and the need for an independent European cloud infrastructure. This development aligns with the increasing demand for data protection and a stronger digital framework across the continent.

SECA is designed as an open and inclusive initiative, encouraging all European cloud providers to adopt and contribute to its growth. The overarching objective is to promote digital sovereignty and freedom for European businesses and government bodies by enabling cloud infrastructure deployment and management without the constraints typically associated with vendor lock-in.

The implementation of SECA is expected to facilitate improved interoperability, scalability, and security while providing long-term independence and flexibility for its users. It also serves as a critical component of the EuroStack initiative, aimed at developing a sovereign and interconnected digital infrastructure for Europe.

Commenting on this initiative, Achim Weiss, CEO of IONOS, emphasised the importance of digital independence, stating: "IONOS, as Europe's number one digitalisation partner for SMBs, is committed to ensuring that our businesses and citizens have the digital independence they need to thrive. AI and Cloud are transforming the global economy, and Europe cannot afford to be left behind. Europe needs a strong, sovereign digital ecosystem. SECA is a critical step in building a secure, independent, and future-proof digital infrastructure - one that keeps Europe strong, competitive, and in control."

Stefano Cecconi, CEO of Aruba, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: "It's an industry-led initiative, and Aruba is proud to be a key part of it. The creation of these common APIs - with Aruba and IONOS as first movers - marks a pivotal and voluntary step for the European cloud industry towards enhanced interoperability, strengthening the continent's cloud services ecosystem."

Francesco Bonfiglio, CEO of Dynamo, also provided his perspective on the initiative, stating: "Sovereign APIs, like SECA, establish a de-facto standard, driven by large providers like IONOS and Aruba, to build uniform access and control of data by those that will adopt it. A strong handshake of trust between customers and providers. We are proud to be part of the SECA initiative and excited to announce it today at the Dynamo Cloud Business Forum in Milan."

The European cloud market has been expanding, estimated to be six times its size from 2017. Projections suggest continued growth, driven by digital transformation efforts and the demand for secure, sovereign cloud solutions. Despite this, European cloud providers often face difficulties due to competition from large global players, known as hyperscalers, which enjoy economies of scale and advanced infrastructures.

Creating a level playing field within the market is seen as crucial to fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Fair standards and regulations are required to ensure all cloud service providers can compete based on merit.

The EuroStack initiative, supported by SECA, seeks to address these challenges by creating an open, interoperable, and sovereign digital infrastructure for Europe. It is intended to help Europe regain digital independence and secure a leadership position in the sovereign cloud space.

The risks associated with high market concentration and the limited interoperability of current cloud services have been highlighted. There are concerns about US cloud providers subjecting European data to extraterritorial legal reach, which poses significant risks to confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

By promoting compliance and interoperability, the SECA initiative is positioned to be a competitive advantage for European companies in adapting to emerging digital and regulatory landscapes. The new API aims to achieve both technical and regulatory convergence, improving the movement of data and applications.

A rigorous certification process will ensure that the SECA API complies with industry standards, offering assurance on security and operational resilience. This process will insulate European businesses from third-party interference and maintain the integrity of data sovereignty.