Across Europe, governments face similar challenges in working with major cloud providers while striving for digital sovereignty to maintain control over public data and infrastructure. In the Netherlands, Strategic Supplier Management Microsoft, Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (SLM MGA) addresses this by engaging with both global and European cloud providers, developing compliant contractual frameworks, and aligning with national policy goals. Working closely with public sector organisations and policymakers helps keep cloud solutions relevant, responsible, and legally compliant.
Responsible cloud alternatives in the public sector
SLM MGA provides the public sector with compliant contractual frameworks with EU and non-EU cloud providers. This requires a comprehensive understanding of both national and EU legislation, policies and requirements, as well as the ability to assess market offerings and risks in detail.
Contributing to international dialogue
SLM MGA shares practical experiences from the Dutch context with international audiences, particularly in strategic supplier management.
Developing through collaboration
SLM MGA collaborates with peers across EU member states, academic experts, and relevant networks to exchange knowledge and develop joint approaches. Key topics include privacy assessments, contracting models, and the responsible use of cloud services.
Cross-border collaboration supports our shared goal of enabling legally sound, future-proof cloud solutions that align with public values and digital sovereignty.
Sharing methods and findings
Key resources and findings are publicly available to support broader knowledge growth. These include:
- Finalised Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Transfer Impact Assessments (DTIAs), and audit results, along with SLM MGA’s interpretations and advice.
- Lessons learnt are shared through meetings and events such as masterclasses.
Useful resources
Relevant documents are available on the Rijksoverheid website (Dutch).
About SLM MGA
SLM MGA is part of the Dutch central government and is hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Security (JenV). Other major IT suppliers, including Oracle, SAP, IBM, and KPN, are managed similarly by various ministries.
SLM MGA is a multidisciplinary team of professionals within the Dutch central government. The group organises legal, technical, and strategic expertise to promote lawful and values-driven use of cloud services. International collaboration is crucial to this work.
Would you like to make a connection?
Professionals working on similar issues or projects elsewhere in Europe or beyond are encouraged to connect. Sharing knowledge and experience is vital for strengthening the collective ability of public organisations to manage cloud technologies responsibly and effectively.
For general questions, feel free to contact the team at: SLMMicrosoft@minjenv.nl.
Should you have any press-related enquiries, please contact Tobias Post at: t.k.post1@minjenv.nl.
