Microsoft Boosts EU Data Centres With Cybersecurity Focus

In a move aimed at strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity landscape and digital sovereignty, Microsoft has set out a new strategy grounded in trust, legal resilience and AI innovation.

The technology company has unveiled five digital pledges, placing cybersecurity and data centre expansion at the heart of its operations across the European Union (EU).

These pledges arrive at a time when EU regulation is tightening, global tensions are mounting and European institutions demand greater control over their data.

Microsoft frames its latest actions as a clear response to these expectations, aiming to ensure that its digital infrastructure in Europe can support both security and economic growth.

In a blog, Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President of Microsoft, explained: “As a multinational company, we believe in trans-Atlantic ties that promote mutual economic growth and prosperity. ​

"We were pleased the Trump administration and the European Union recently agreed to suspend further tariff escalation while they seek to negotiate a reciprocal trade agreement.

"We hope that successful talks can resolve tariff issues and reduce non-tariff barriers, consistent with the recommendations in the recent Draghi report.

“We will always be dedicated to creating jobs, promoting economic opportunities, and strengthening cybersecurity on both sides of the Atlantic. The five commitments below, like the very first European version of Microsoft Word, take our support for Europe another step forward.”

Europe-focused data centre growth fuels digital sovereignty

Key to Microsoft’s pledges is its data centre expansion.

Over the next two years, Microsoft will boost its European data centre capacity by 40%. This forms part of a larger plan to double capacity between 2023 and 2027 across 16 countries.

The expansion is one of the company’s most extensive infrastructure projects to date and marks a major investment in cloud computing and AI delivery across Europe.

This growth supports a more diverse and resilient cloud ecosystem, with a focus on digital services that comply with EU values and data regulations.

Localised operations will play a major role in this. Microsoft’s projects, such as Bleu — a joint venture with Capgemini and Orange — keep control of Microsoft Azure and 365 services within French jurisdiction.

Similarly, a collaboration with Arvato Systems and SAP has led to a sovereign data platform based in Germany, operated by SAP’s Delos Cloud GmbH and hosted in German facilities.

These efforts aim to anchor digital innovation and AI adoption on European soil while respecting the continent’s regulatory frameworks.

Microsoft’s strategy is a direct answer to the EU’s calls for technological independence and the localisation of critical infrastructure.

Legal resilience and European oversight embedded in operations

To build digital trust, Microsoft is embedding legal resilience directly into its European operations.

A new European board of directors, composed entirely of EU nationals, will oversee Microsoft’s data centre services across the region.

Operating under European law, the board strengthens the connection between Microsoft’s services and the legal jurisdictions in which they function.

A legally binding "Digital Resilience Commitment" will also be introduced in all contracts with the European Commission and national governments.

This provision ensures that any government demand to suspend or disrupt services will be challenged, safeguarding continuity and reinforcing Europe’s digital autonomy.

Through these measures, Microsoft commits not only to infrastructure but also to legal accountability.

It promises that its services will continue uninterrupted, even amid political or regulatory pressure, helping public institutions and businesses maintain secure digital operations.

Cybersecurity elevated as a strategic and operational priority

Microsoft places cybersecurity at the core of its European framework.

As cyber threats increase in complexity and frequency, the tech giant reinforces its defences across the continent.

This includes uninterrupted digital services and secure data relocation, particularly vital during conflict scenarios such as the war in Ukraine, during which Microsoft has provided over US$500m in free technology and assistance.

In its commitment to cybersecurity, Microsoft has appointed a European Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (Deputy CISO).

This role ensures compliance with major EU regulations, including the NIS 2 Directive, Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

Reporting directly to Microsoft's Global CISO, Igor Tsyganskiy, the Deputy CISO will play a pivotal role in strengthening Microsoft’s security posture in Europe.

The company will also enhance CRA compliance by focusing on security-by-design, vulnerability management and securing open-source software.

It will support EU initiatives through the Expert Group on Cybersecurity of Products with Digital Elements and collaborate on regulatory implementation via its Secure Future Initiative.

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern but a strategic foundation for European digital infrastructure.

Microsoft’s actions suggest that secure services and regulatory alignment are now essential to innovation in AI and digital transformation.

Through its deepened investment in European data centres and security frameworks, Microsoft responds to a changing digital environment that prioritises compliance, control and innovation.

Its model could serve as a reference point for global cloud providers seeking to align with EU governance and security standards.

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