- Microsoft advertised legally binding European digital resistance obligation
- 200 data centers are run by Microsoft over the EU in 2027
- A new deputy CISO for Europe is also appointed
Microsoft has come out and against any US government orders to suspend European sky surgery and consider such a movement as very unlikely, but a real and relevant concern.
In a blog post, Microsoft President Brad Smith confirmed that the company would sue if they were ordered to stop services in Europe in the midst of ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.
“We undertake that Microsoft immediately and strongly contest such a measure using all available legal options,” Smith declared.
Microsoft is required to serve Europe in the middle of trade war
In the article, Smith posted five key obligations Microsoft makes for European customers who promised “digital stability” and “to maintain Europe’s digital resilience.”
With the “mutual economic growth and prosperity” that transatlantic ties enable, Smith explained that the company is “satisfied” that both President Trump and the European Union have reached an agreement to suspend further duty.
Microsoft’s first commitment is that it will continue to expand the cloud and AI infrastructure in Europe, increasing data center capacity by 40% in the next two years and expanding to 16 European countries.
In 2027, the company wants to run over 200 data centers across the continent, all of respecting European laws and sovereignty requirements.
Secondly, Microsoft will “maintain Europe’s digital resilience” throughout the ongoing volatility by including a new legally binding European digital resilience obligation in all contracts with European national governments and Europe Commission.
This includes storing backups of its code in a safe depot in Switzerland, a country with strong data protection and security legislation.
The company is also committed to ensuring the privacy of European data by enabling local data storage and treatment within the EU and European Free Trade Association as well as protecting the continent’s cyber security with a newly appointed deputy CISO for Europe.
Finally, Smith commented on Microsoft’s plans to support competition in the region – possibly a digging of the frequent studies it is facing from the Europe Commission as well as other anti -rut regulators around the world.
Smith concluded: “Our support for Europe has always been – and will always be – steadfast.”
