KPN and Schwarz Digits launch a European sovereign cloud in the Netherlands

HSD partner KPN and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group, are launching a European sovereign cloud for the Dutch market as organisations increasingly seek greater control over their data. The solution delivers a scalable European sovereign cloud hosted in KPN’s data centres in the Netherlands. KPN will be responsible for connectivity and IT services, while STACKIT, the cloud platform of Schwarz Digits, will provide the European cloud infrastructure.

European organisations are increasingly seeking greater control over their data and digital infrastructure, particularly in sectors where privacy, security and resilience are critical. This solution is ideally suited to vital organisations and industries such as government, financial services, energy and healthcare. KPN is making substantial investments in this partnership to make this sovereign European cloud solution available in the Netherlands. The initiative aligns with the investment plans shared during the company’s Strategy Update in November last year, aimed at supporting long-term growth in the business market.

European governance and open infrastructure

STACKIT provides the cloud infrastructure based on open-source software. The service operates under European jurisdiction, with data processed and stored within Europe. The model supports portability and interoperability, enabling organisations to reduce their dependence on individual providers and avoid vendor lock-in. STACKIT is assessed against the BSI C5 criteria, a recognised benchmark at the highest level of cloud security and transparency.

Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN:
“In the Netherlands and across Europe, there is a clear demand for sovereign cloud solutions. Dutch businesses and public organisations are increasingly looking for greater control over their data and a secure European cloud at scale. KPN is a leading Dutch cloud provider, which forms part of our Connect, Activate & Grow strategy, particularly in the business market. Developing European sovereign cloud solutions requires decisiveness and the ability to bring together expertise and resources. That is why I am pleased to announce our partnership today. Together, we are taking an important step forward by combining customer demand, KPN’s expertise, and the knowledge and scale of STACKIT.” 

Bernd Wagner, CSO of Schwarz Digits:
“With the strategic partnership between KPN and Schwarz Digits, we are turning the vision of digital sovereignty in Europe into a technological reality. Through our joint go-to-market strategy, we are combining KPN’s first-class connectivity and market position with STACKIT’s sovereign cloud stack to create a European leader. A key milestone is the deep integration of our services directly into KPN’s Dutch data centres. Customers will be able to procure the full solution directly from KPN as their trusted partner. German companies will greatly benefit from the new ability to seamlessly use the Dutch cloud region within their existing STACKIT environment. By positioning STACKIT as a European hyperscaler, we provide an independent alternative and form the backbone of a sovereign IT infrastructure that sets a new standard.”

KPN’s strategic cloud proposition

The partnership with Schwarz Digits aligns with KPN’s broader strategic cloud proposition, which includes public, hybrid and private cloud solutions. Different types of data, applications and risk levels require different approaches. With STACKIT, KPN is adding a European sovereign public cloud to its portfolio, operating under European ownership, governance and legislation.

KPN recently also signed the manifesto of the Open Cloud Alliance, which aims to make digital sovereignty more practical through clear agreements on data location, transparency around access and control, and the development of Dutch and European alternatives.

The solution, ‘KPN Sovereign Cloud, powered by STACKIT’, is already available through STACKIT’s German and Austrian cloud regions. The Dutch version is expected to become available by mid-2027. The solution will be offered exclusively through KPN and its partners.

source: kpn.nl