The new cabinet has outlined clear ambitions in its coalition agreement to firmly establish digital security and autonomy. The Netherlands and Europe aim to become more self-reliant. Currently, a few major non-European providers control 70% of the European cloud market.
To ensure the government can continue to operate effectively in a changing geopolitical context, the cabinet is focusing on strengthening digital sovereignty and autonomous public services. A secure sovereign government cloud is a key step in this direction, as outlined in the Letter to Parliament (Dutch) ‘Exploring a Sovereign Government Cloud’, which State Secretary Eric van der Burg sent to the House of Representatives.
Exploration of sovereign government cloud service
The NDS Cloud Implementation Programme explored the feasibility of establishing a government-wide sovereign cloud service. The findings indicate that a dedicated government cloud is feasible and should preferably be hosted in government data centres. A crucial condition for this is that Government Data Centres (ODCs) collaborate more effectively to enable the government to act decisively. The market is actively involved: discussions with 69 parties have confirmed that there is sufficient expertise and manpower in the Netherlands to implement this.
Further development of the design
With this, the government has taken the first steps towards a secure, sovereign cloud. It will soon publish the design for public consultation, allowing other organisations to contribute ideas and potentially use it in the future. While retaining overall control, the government is inviting market parties, educational institutions, and knowledge centres to participate. After the summer, the government will define the roles of all parties involved, both the market and the government, in realising the sovereign government cloud.
The cloud design is currently being tested in a Proof of Concept environment. The results are expected to be shared with the House of Representatives by the end of the year. The revised National Cloud Policy will also be sent to the House shortly.
