Microsoft Unveils 5-Pillar Digital Commitment to Europe, Plans 40% Data Center Expansion

In a bold move to align with Europe’s evolving digital landscape, Microsoft President Brad Smith has unveiled a new framework titled “European Digital Commitments.” The plan features five key pillars guiding the tech giant’s strategy across the region and includes a massive 40% expansion in European data center capacity over the next two years. This investment will see growth in operations across 16 European countries, solidifying Microsoft’s stake in the EU’s cloud and AI infrastructure.

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The five pillars of Microsoft’s commitment are:

1. Supporting a broad AI and cloud ecosystem across Europe
2. Upholding Europe’s digital resilience during geopolitical instability
3. Protecting European data privacy
4. Strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity
5. Boosting Europe’s economic competitiveness, including support for open source


A standout aspect of this strategy is the formation of a European Board of Directors—composed entirely of European nationals—that will oversee Microsoft’s regional data center operations. This move directly addresses EU concerns about digital sovereignty, especially under regulatory frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Microsoft also pledged to continue support for projects like the EU Data Boundary, which keeps European user data within the continent, and to deploy advanced technologies such as Confidential Compute to enhance data security. Additionally, it will appoint a deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) focused exclusively on European cybersecurity compliance, including alignment with the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

On the economic front, Microsoft has committed to open access to its AI and cloud tools, supporting innovation and competitiveness for European enterprises and open-source communities alike.

With global tensions rising and cross-Atlantic relations under pressure—especially due to tariffs and data regulation disputes—Microsoft’s strategic pivot aims to reassure European stakeholders. The company even stated that in the unlikely event of being forced to suspend cloud services in Europe, it would “promptly and vigorously contest such a measure” through all available legal channels.

This announcement marks a critical turning point in how Big Tech navigates sovereignty, privacy, and trust in international markets—and sets a new standard for U.S.-EU tech relations in the years to come.

[Via]