AWS plans to disconnect its European Sovereign Cloud in Brandenburg, Germany, from the global network backbone on 24 October 2026. The test aims to demonstrate operational autonomy by relying solely on EU-based personnel and local hardware and software resources.
The demonstration aligns with the EU Cloud Sovereignty Framework and German security criteria. AWS will disable its global data transfer mechanism, maintaining connectivity through European internet service providers to prove the cloud can function without external infrastructure.
European startups are simultaneously attracting significant investment to build independent cloud and AI infrastructure. In 2026, companies including Clastix, Verda, and Velatir raised a combined total of €117.1 million to develop solutions that reduce reliance on US hyperscalers.
Public institutions are also shifting procurement strategies. The European Commission launched a six-year, €180 million sovereign-cloud framework in April 2026. Paris-based Cycloid will provide a unified developer portal for this initiative, supporting up to 5,000 developers across four provider groups.
