Launched as a competition under the Cloud III Dynamic Purchasing System (Cloud III DPS), the tender will allow EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies to procure sovereign Cloud services over 6 years. The tender establishes a benchmark for how sovereignty is applied in practice to cloud services.
Up to four providers, registered in the Cloud III DPS, will be awarded a contract under a new Cloud Sovereignty Framework. This framework measures sovereignty across eight concrete objectives. These objectives include strategic, legal, operational, and environmental considerations, as well as supply chain transparency, technological openness, security, and compliance to EU laws. By setting minimum assurance levels for each, the Commission creates a level playing field where cloud providers active on the EU market can demonstrate their sovereignty strengths. It drives the entire sector towards compliance with European standards and values.
As the Commission continues to prioritise digital sovereignty, this tender marks a significant step towards creating a more resilient digital environment. The Cloud Sovereignty Framework is envisioned as a reference point for cloud providers and a catalyst for the growth of the EU cloud market, especially in the public sector.
The tender is expected to be awarded between December 2025 and February 2026.
