EU Industry Groups Challenge EUCS for Cloud Services

European Union's cybersecurity certification scheme (EUCS) for cloud services is currently facing scrutiny from 26 industry groups. These groups are urging against discrimination towards major players like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The EUCS, initially introduced in 2020 by the EU cybersecurity agency ENISA, aims to assist governments and businesses in selecting secure cloud vendors.

The latest version of the EUCS has undergone changes, eliminating sovereignty requirements that previously forced U.S. tech giants to collaborate with EU-based companies for data processing within the EU. This move is seen as a step towards promoting inclusivity and non-discrimination in the certification scheme.

The industry groups stress the importance of an inclusive EUCS to facilitate the free movement of cloud services, which in turn supports digital growth and security in Europe. They highlight the necessity of diverse cloud technologies to meet specific business needs and compete on a global scale. Notable signatories to the joint letter include various European chambers of commerce and industry associations advocating for fair and industry-aligned cybersecurity standards.

While some EU cloud vendors like Deutsche Telekom and Orange have pushed for sovereignty measures in the EUCS to protect European data from potential foreign access, the current focus is on aligning cloud security practices with industry standards. The dynamic nature of cloud computing, with its substantial revenue and projected growth, underscores the significance of a unified and non-discriminatory approach to cybersecurity certification in Europe.

The ongoing discussions surrounding the EUCS highlight the complexities of balancing security, competition, and inclusivity in the cloud services market. As Europe navigates through these challenges, the ultimate goal remains to establish a robust cybersecurity framework that not only safeguards data but also fosters innovation and growth in the digital landscape.