SAP strengthens its sovereign cloud in Europe

Digital sovereignty has become a key factor for European organizations, especially in regulated industries. SAP Sovereign Cloud is the solution that lets companies and public institutions maintain full control over their data, infrastructure, and AI applications within the European legal framework. Now, this initiative is expanding with new options and a major strategic investment.

What does SAP bring to digital sovereignty?

SAP is rolling out a strong offering built on four sovereignty pillars:

• Data sovereignty: Information stays in European data centers, preventing unauthorized transfers.
• Operations: Only authorized staff with local citizenship or training manage the cloud infrastructure.
• Technical control: Full oversight of where and how apps run, including dedicated infrastructures.
• Legal sovereignty: Local frameworks ensure compliance and reduce external risks.

Expanded deployment models

SAP recently introduced new models to reinforce operational and technical sovereignty:

• SAP Cloud Infrastructure: An IaaS platform based on open-source technologies, hosted in Europe, guaranteeing data residency and regulatory compliance.
• SAP Sovereign Cloud On Site: An option that installs SAP-managed infrastructure directly inside the client’s data center, offering full physical and legal control.
• Delos Cloud (Germany): A SAP subsidiary created specifically to serve the German public sector, aligned with the Deutsche Verwaltungs-Cloud-Strategie (DVS). This setup allows German administrations to operate under strictly national security and privacy rules.

Strategic investment

SAP announced an investment of over €20 billion over the next decade to strengthen its leadership in European digital sovereignty. The investment focuses on:

• New data centers within the EU
• Key technologies (chips, GPUs)
• Regional R&D
• Local staff for 24/7 operations and support

The company argues that digital sovereignty is no longer optional but a strategic priority in the face of geopolitical risks, new regulations, and growing cyber threats.

AI with local control

SAP enables European organizations to leverage AI solutions in a secure cloud environment. Smart applications run without data ever leaving the client’s controlled perimeter, ensuring privacy, compliance, and tech independence.

The company believes digital sovereignty is essential for sustainable AI innovation, especially in industries like healthcare, banking, energy, and defense.

Impact in Spain

SAP’s strategy also has direct implications for Spain:

• Businesses: Stay compliant with GDPR and other rules without exposing data to foreign laws.
• Regulated sectors: Stronger protection for sensitive data in industries like healthcare, banking, or telecom.
• Public administration: Can digitize safely with full legal sovereignty.
• Advanced technology: Access to AI without sacrificing privacy.
• Flexibility: Freedom to choose where data is hosted and who manages the infrastructure.

SAP is redefining digital sovereignty with investment, local control, and cutting-edge technology, allowing European organizations to move forward with AI without giving up their legal and technical independence.