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eu‑LISA has released a new Technology Brief titled “Sovereign Cloud Technologies – Is the Cloud Really Just Somebody Else’s Computer?” providing a comprehensive overview of cloud computing models, the essential concept of sovereign cloud, and the potential benefits and risks of cloud adoption – particularly for public sector organisations operating under strict data protection and regulatory frameworks.
Cloud computing has transformed the way organisations manage their IT infrastructure by offering agility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. However, for entities like eu‑LISA that operate in high-security, data-sensitive environments, cloud adoption requires careful consideration – especially with regard to sovereignty, control, and compliance.
What’s Inside the Brief?
The publication provides:
- An overview of cloud computing characteristics and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- A comparison of public, private, hybrid and emerging cloud models such as multi-cloud and poly-cloud
- A detailed exploration of sovereign cloud – a type of cloud ensuring that data localisation and protection, governance, and compliance remains subject to the legal jurisdiction and operational control of a specific country or region
- A summary of the EU regulatory landscape, including GDPR, the Cybersecurity Act, NIS2, and the forthcoming European Cloud Rulebook
- Strategic insights for public institutions navigating cloud migration
eu‑LISA’s Cloud Strategy
As the Agency continues to develop and manage a growing portfolio of large-scale IT systems (including SIS, VIS, EES, ETIAS, and Eurodac), cloud computing is being explored as a way to meet increasing infrastructure demands. eu‑LISA has already developed a hybrid multi-cloud strategy, which aims to:
- Optimise performance and reduce costs
- Improve agility in development and testing
- Reduce environmental impact
- Maintain high standards of security, data protection and sovereignty
This approach allows the Agency to retain control of its most sensitive processes on-premises while leveraging the flexibility of cloud platforms where appropriate – always in full compliance with EU legislation.
Learn more about the Agency’s approach to cloud computing in the Core Business Systems Cloud Strategy
Why It Matters
Sovereign cloud models are becoming increasingly relevant in light of growing legal complexity, geopolitical tensions, and the need to retain control over critical digital infrastructure. For the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs domain, ensuring that data storage and processing remains secure, governed by EU law, and protected from extraterritorial access is not just a technical issue – it is a strategic imperative.
As cloud technology evolves, eu‑LISA continues to support the digital transformation of Europe's security and border management landscape while upholding the principles of trust, sovereignty and operational excellence.
About the Tech Brief Series
The eu‑LISA Technology Brief series is developed by the Agency’s Research and Innovation Function to support awareness and understanding of emerging technologies that impact the digital transformation of Justice and Home Affairs in Europe. Each brief explores current trends, challenges, and strategic implications of new digital tools – helping stakeholders make informed decisions on future-ready IT development.
