The discussion about data protection, compliance, and digital sovereignty is noticeably gaining momentum in Europe.
Against this background, more and more companies are asking themselves: Which EU cloud providers meet the highest standards – and is the cloud always the right path?
While many organizations continue to rely on cloud-based solutions, interest in local storage strategies is growing — especially when it comes to sensitive or highly regulated data.
In this article, we compare leading EU cloud providers – and also explain why local data storage (on-premise or in a regional data center) represents a serious and future-ready cloud alternative.
Top EU Cloud Providers Compared
| Provider | Headquarter | GDPR-Compliant | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| IONOS | Germany | ✅ | Focus on SMEs, German Law |
| UpCloud | Finland | ✅ | Performance-focused, private cloud options |
| OVHcloud | France | ✅ | Own hardware, ISO-certified |
| Scaleway | France | ✅ | Developer-friendly, open source |
| Exoscale | Switzerland | ✅ | Strong data protection, Swiss law, EU data centers |
But: EU Cloud Providers ≠ One-Size-Fits-All
As useful as cloud services may be in day-to-day operations, they also come with structural risks that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Cloud Act & FISA: Even EU hosting does not prevent U.S. access rights when using U.S.-based providers or subsidiaries.
- Vendor lock-in: Proprietary interfaces make it harder to switch providers.
- Egress cost trap: Exporting data from the cloud can become expensive.
- Loss of operational control: In critical cases, access to systems and data can be restricted or delayed.
This becomes particularly problematic in sensitive sectors such as industry, public administration or healthcare.
Looking for a cloud alternative? Local data storage as a strategic option
What does “local” mean?
- On-Premise: The IT infrastructure is hosted in-house.
- Private hosting: Data is stored in a regional data center operated by a trusted partner.
- Hybrid solutions: A combination of cloud and local storage for increased flexibility.
Advantages of Local Storage
- Full data sovereignty
- Physical control over infrastructure & access
- No external access by third countries
- 100% GDPR-compliant and auditable
- More predictable costs without egress traps
Data Migration: The Path to Independence
Many companies shy away from the move “back” to local structures. Yet a structured data migration offers enormous potential:
System cleanup: Legacy systems and redundancies are identified and consequently removed.
Security upgrade: Encryption, monitoring and access control can be specifically enhanced.
Architecture modernization: Processes are rethought, streamlined and made future-ready.
Hybrid transition models: Not everything has to be migrated immediately – step by step is also an option.
With the right partner, migration is not a risk but an opportunity.
Conclusion: EU Cloud Providers Are Strong – But Local Alternatives Are Often More Strategic
The EU cloud providers compared here are strong alternatives to global hyperscalers. But for companies seeking maximum control, legal clarity, and long-term independence, local data storage is therefore a compelling cloud alternative. It is not a step backwards – but a conscious step toward digital self-determination.
Planning an exit strategy from the cloud?
Whether on-premise, private cloud, or hybrid architecture – we support you in implementation. With a clear migration plan, technical know-how, and one goal: digital sovereignty.