Microsoft and SAP Sign Deal to Keep EU Cloud Running, Even in "Times of Crisis"

Why It Matters

The partnership safeguards EU digital infrastructure against geopolitical disruptions, reducing reliance on U.S. cloud providers and supporting Europe’s push for greater digital sovereignty and operational resilience.

Summary

Microsoft, SAP‑owned Delos Cloud and French sovereign‑cloud provider Bleu have signed a memorandum of understanding and a mutual‑assistance pact to ensure continuity of European cloud services in crisis scenarios. The agreement gives Delos legal rights to access Microsoft’s cloud code if a non‑European government restricts Microsoft services for European customers, and obliges Bleu and Delos to cooperate on technical support during extreme events such as cyber‑attacks or military conflict. The move responds to rising geopolitical concerns, with 61% of Western European CIOs planning to increase use of local cloud providers, and aims to bolster digital sovereignty and business resilience in the EU.