Digitalization has revolutionized our world. But with this progress comes a challenge: dependence on non-European technology companies that can offer less data protection than we need in the face of global conflicts. According to the Draghi Report, more than 80 percent of digital technologies and infrastructures in Europe come from abroad. An alarming figure that shows us that Europe urgently needs to strengthen its digital sovereignty.
It's time to rethink! Our data must be under our control again. Our infrastructure must become secure and fit for the future. As an integral part of Deutsche Telekom, Europe's largest telecom company, T-Systems is doing its part. We are the number 1 in sovereign cloud solutions, and, with the Open Sovereign Cloud, we offer our services to more than 500 national and global major customers in areas such as automotive, public, and health full digital sovereignty.
At a time when data is the 'new gold', Europe must not become dependent on externally regulated platforms. We must become master of our data again!
Digital sovereignty means that Europe retains control over its digital resources: from data centers and cloud technologies to artificial intelligence (AI). This is the only way to ensure data protection, security and economic independence. At a time when data is the "new gold", Europe must not become dependent on externally regulated platforms. We must become master of our data again!
As a leading provider of sovereign cloud solutions, this is exactly where T-Systems comes in.For 20 years, we have played a key role in shaping the development and use of cloud technologies. We started virtualizing server infrastructures back in 2004. This makes us one of the European pioneers that provided companies with dynamically scalable IT resources – even before the term "cloud computing" was established for it. And with the Open Sovereign Cloud, we enable companies in Germany and Europe to manage their data securely and autonomously. In addition, we combine cloud, edge computing and AI into a powerful digital infrastructure. With state-of-the-art quantum encryption and our Security Operations Center (SOC), we detect and prevent threats in real time. This is particularly essential for critical sectors such as the public sector or healthcare. More than 35 million AOK and Barmer policyholders already benefit from our secure data centers in Germany.
Technologies such as AI, combined with cloud applications, offer enormous potential to take the economy and society to a new level. IT solutions in the areas of AI, cloud and security help companies to optimize and automate their processes, develop new business models and become more productive. All of this increases competitiveness enormously.
With 26,000 employees, including over 1,500 AI experts, T-Systems is driving these innovations forward. We have already successfully implemented more than 400 AI use cases for regulated industries. Our solutions combine 20 years of industry expertise with state-of-the-art AI technologies – from automotive and healthcare to public administration.
And again and again I hear from our business customers what really counts for them: Quality is everything! Across all industries, there is a return to the values of quality, stability and safety. Because with increasing digitalization– and in view of the boom in artificial intelligence – reliable IT plays a business-critical role for many companies.
According to Global Market Insights, the European cloud computing market size was estimated to be over $80 billion in 2024. However, the market is dominated by US providers. Amazon, Microsoft, and Google control over 70 percent of the European cloud market, where the hyperscalers processing their data is often non-transparent. And it is difficult to determine whether sensitive company and customer data remains in Europe or flows to countries where cloud operation is cheaper. In addition, the "US Cloud Act" obliges American providers to hand over data upon official request – regardless of where it is stored. To secure Europe's digital independence, we need to invest more in European cloud and AI technologies.
Digital sovereignty is based on three pillars:
At T-Systems, we are already successfully implementing these principles for customers such as Shell, MAN, and Barmer.
We are also involved in the 8ra project: formerly known as IPCEI-CIS (Important Project of Common European Interest – Cloud Infrastructure Services), 8ra is a measure initiated by the European Union to develop a sovereign, interoperable and secure cloud edge infrastructure in Europe. More than 120 partners from 12 EU member states are involved in the project, including well-known companies such as SAP, Siemens, Telefónica, Orange and us as Deutsche Telekom. The goal is to build a European cloud edge infrastructure that provides an open and common edge cloud. Such a "supercloud" is intended to drive the digitalization of sovereign administrative services and enable innovative business models for the industry that meet the specific requirements of the continent.
Digital sovereignty is one of the central challenges of our time. The EU and national governments must act now and invest specifically in a European digital infrastructure. Uniform standards, open source technologies, and interoperability are essential to position Europe as a competitive alternative to the tech giants.
We need a digital turning point now. Only through decisive action can Europe regain its digital independence and secure it in the long term. Let's set the course for a sovereign digital future together!
