EU Cloud Association CISPE demands to make services “Trump-proof”

TL;DR

• The European cloud association CISPE advocates for cloud services to be developed as “Trump-proof” alternatives, assuring independence from foreign governments.
• CISPE is pushing for the development of an open-source cloud infrastructure management system called Fulcrum, funded with €1 million.
• By prioritizing European cloud solutions, CISPE estimates that up to €20 billion could be allocated annually to boost the continent’s cloud infrastructure.

The European cloud association CISPE (Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers in Europe) has called for cloud services to be made “Trump-proof,” reflecting growing concerns over global dependency on foreign technology and political instability. The organization sees a vital opportunity to enhance European cloud sovereignty in light of current geopolitical tensions.

Advocating for Independence

In a strategic move aimed at increasing Europe’s cloud independence, CISPE is promoting the open-source project Fulcrum. This initiative seeks to create a cloud infrastructure management system that can manage and monitor distributed cloud resources across multiple providers. The association has allocated €1 million to expedite Fulcrum’s development, which is currently in “active development” according to its Github repository.

Fulcrum’s inception is driven by the apprehension among European cloud users regarding the influence foreign governments may exert over their data and services. As outlined by CISPE, there is a legitimate concern that non-EU governments might demand access to data, impose tariffs, or disrupt services utilized by their cloud infrastructure clients. Thus, Fulcrum is positioned as a scalable and competitively sourced European alternative designed to bolster user independence from foreign entities.

Economic Implications

CISPE advocates a revision of EU procurement regulations to favor European cloud offers. They argue that if merely 10% of EU cloud procurements incorporate Gaia-X labels, it could significantly increase investments into the European cloud infrastructure—potentially amounting to €20 billion per year. This investment would not only enhance technological capabilities but also provide safer options compliant with European data regulations.

“With a focus on open, sovereign, and interoperable solutions, we can transform our fragmented cloud landscape into a competitive advantage,” asserted a spokesperson for CISPE.

The Road Ahead

As Europe navigates an increasingly complex digital landscape, the push for a “Trump-proof” cloud ecosystem reinforces the region’s resolve to secure its digital sovereignty. The ongoing development of Fulcrum, along with the proposed procurement reforms, reflects a significant step toward achieving these goals.

Experts anticipate intense scrutiny from both the tech industry and government, as these initiatives unfold. The discussions prompted by CISPE will likely play a central role as Europe seeks to establish a resilient and independent cloud infrastructure that can withstand external pressures and insecurities.

Conclusion

As the cloud continues to evolve as a critical component of modern economies, initiatives like those proposed by CISPE could reshape how Europe approaches its digital sovereignty. By advocating for local technology solutions and establishing strong regulatory frameworks, Europe can ensure a future where its cloud services are robust, secure, and independent from foreign influence.

References

[^1]: EU-Cloudverband CISPE fordert, Dienste “Trump-sicher” zu machen | heise online (2025-03-31). “EU-Cloudverband CISPE fordert, Dienste “Trump-sicher” zu machen“. heise online. Retrieved 2025-03-31.

[^2] Fulcrum Project – The Universal Cloud Federation. The Fulcrum Project. Retrieved 2025-03-31.