VSHN.timer #253: Europe, it’s time to cut the cord

Welcome to another VSHN.timer! Every week, 5 links related to Kubernetes, OpenShift, CI / CD, and DevOps; all stuff coming out of our own chat system, making us think, laugh, or simply work better.

For too long, Europe has been dependent on foreign tech giants, relying on US-based cloud providers and data infrastructures that expose businesses and citizens to regulatory and security risks. The latest political shifts, tariffs, and legal disputes only emphasize the urgency for Europe to reclaim control over its digital future. With increasing concerns over data privacy, security regulations, and technological sovereignty, the time has come for Europe to stand on its own feet. But are we ready for it?

1. US cloud soon illegal? Trump punches first hole in EU-US data deal
   The recent actions by the US administration threaten the already fragile EU-US data transfer agreements. With the US undermining legal frameworks like the Privacy Shield, European businesses could soon find themselves unable to store data legally on US cloud services, pushing the EU to find alternative solutions:
   https://noyb.eu/en/us-cloud-soon-illegal-trump-punches-first-hole-eu-us-data-deal
   
2. Stricter security requirements demanded for cloud providers (in German)
   In Switzerland, unlike internet providers, hosting and cloud providers are not subject to legal cybersecurity requirements. The Security Policy Commission of the National Council wants to change this by introducing new legal frameworks that would hold these providers accountable for preventing misuse of their services:
   https://www.inside-it.ch/strengere-security-auflagen-fuer-cloud-anbieter-gefordert-20250129
   
3. CEO of Swiss tech company Proton criticizes Europe (in German)
   Proton’s CEO is openly critical of Europe’s slow response to the dominance of US tech giants. He argues that if Europe doesn’t act quickly, it risks falling further behind in technological development and losing control over its digital economy:
   https://www.watson.ch/schweiz/international/942046607-ceo-von-schweizer-tech-firma-proton-kritisiert-europa
   
4. Infomaniak opens new data center (in German)
   Swiss company Infomaniak is taking matters into its own hands by launching a new data center, reinforcing the push for European cloud independence. This move highlights that some companies are already leading the way in ensuring that European data stays in Europe:
   https://www.inside-it.ch/infomaniak-eroeffnet-neues-rechenzentrum-20250127
   
5. Prantl claims: Competitors are not opponents (in German)
   A shift in mindset may be necessary for Europe to compete effectively. Instead of treating each other as rivals, European tech companies need to collaborate and strengthen their collective presence against the overwhelming power of US and Chinese firms:
   https://www.inside-it.ch/prantl-behauptet-mitbewerber-sind-keine-konkurrenten-20250127
   
6. JUST IN: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/10/elon-musk-open-ai-bid
   Well fancy that! But did you realize that we have a good European ChatGPT alternative too?
   https://mistral.ai/en/news/all-new-le-chat

Europe faces a defining moment in its digital history. If we want to secure our data, build competitive tech industries, and maintain digital sovereignty, we must act now. The good news? Some companies and regulators are already taking the first steps. The real question is: Will the rest of Europe follow, or will we continue to play catch-up?

How can European businesses transition away from US-based cloud providers without compromising efficiency? Should European governments take stronger action to regulate and support local cloud alternatives? What role should European consumers play in demanding data sovereignty from tech providers? Get in touch with us, and see you next week for another edition of VSHN.timer.

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