Sovereign Cloud Framework explained

In April 2026, the Commission awarded an EUR 180 million contract to procure sovereign cloud for the European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (Union entities) to four providers. The tender was launched as part of Commission’s efforts to strengthen the digital sovereignty posture of the Union entities, as well as to encourage the market to offer sovereign digital solutions that comply with EU laws and values.   

Launched under Cloud III Dynamic Purchasing System (Cloud III DPS), the tender included the Cloud Sovereignty Framework. After announcing the successful finalisation of the procurement, the Commission has received many inquiries on how it applied the framework. The Commission is now publishing an additional clarification on the content of this framework, which introduced two complementary sovereignty scores:  

• The calculation of a Sovereignty Effectiveness Assurance Level (SEAL), designed to assess whether providers meet defined thresholds of sovereignty and resilience. These thresholds are outlined in the Framework and correspond to the highest levels to data sovereignty (SEAL-2), technological autonomy (SEAL-3) and full sovereignty (SEAL-4).
• An overall sovereignty score calculated on the basis of 48 specific criteria. Each criterion is clearly defined, along with the corresponding scoring methodology. These criteria are grouped into eight categories, reflecting key sovereignty objectives: strategic, legal and jurisdictional, data and AI, operational, supply chain, technological, security and compliance and finally environmental sustainability.

By successfully introducing sovereignty in its cloud procurement, the Commission leads by example in advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty, setting a benchmark for secure, compliant, and values-based cloud adoption across the public sector. The Commission encourages all organisations, both public and private, to consult and use this framework to strengthen their digital sovereignty and resilience. 

For more information 

Cloud Sovereignty Framework - Implementation guidance 

Commission advances cloud sovereignty through strategic procurement