Name in original language
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Initiative overview
The IPCEI-CIS (Important Project of Common European Interest – Cloud Infrastructure and Services) is a large European initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s digital independence. Today, many cloud services used in Europe are operated by non-European providers. This creates risks around data security, privacy, and long-term control. At the same time, emerging technologies—like autonomous vehicles or smart factories—need to process data quickly and close to where it is generated. Existing systems aren’t always fit for these needs.
To address this, IPCEI-CIS aims to build a decentralised, secure, and efficient “cloud-edge continuum.” This means creating a system where different cloud and edge service providers across Europe can work together seamlessly. It will allow users to process and move data across different locations and providers, without being locked into one company’s platform. The goal is not just technical independence, but also the development of new, data-driven services and business models across industries.
The project involves over 100 companies and research organisations from 12 EU countries, with Germany coordinating. Work is split into areas like building energy-efficient data centres, developing management software, and testing real-world applications. With around €2.6 billion in combined public and private funding, the project is now moving from research to deployment.
Over time, IPCEI-CIS aims to create a lasting digital infrastructure for Europe—one that is secure, sustainable, and open to future innovation.
