Data under control: digital sovereignty as a core strategy

September 15, 2025

DESCRIPCIÓN

Data sovereignty has become an essential element for European companies in the current digital economy. It is not only a legal requirement related to the storage and processing of information, but also a key strategy for protecting sensitive data, building trust and strengthening competitiveness. Complying with the regulations of the territory in which data is stored and processed, with particular emphasis on European regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the NIS2 directive or the DORA regulation in the financial sector, involves much more than ensuring the physical residence of the information. Data sovereignty encompasses political and legal dimensions, ensuring that information is not exposed to foreign legislation that could jeopardise its security.

Companies that implement policies and technologies aimed at ensuring digital sovereignty also reap valuable strategic benefits. Operating under strict European regulations generates transparency and strengthens trust with customers, suppliers and regulatory bodies, improving corporate image. Furthermore, strict compliance with regulations helps to avoid financial sanctions which, in the case of the GDPR, can reach up to 4% of global turnover. Added to this is a clear competitive advantage: in sectors such as public administration, health and finance, where the protection of critical information is a priority, companies that prove a higher level of data sovereignty are seen as more reliable partners. This approach also helps to improve resilience and security, protecting operational continuity against cyberattacks or unauthorised access, which is essential for long-term trust.

However, moving towards a data sovereignty strategy also requires addressing challenges. Implementation entails additional costs linked to local infrastructure and migration to cloud services that comply with European regulations. Added to this is the need to continuously adapt to an evolving regulatory framework, where European, national and sectoral guidelines converge. Another key challenge is ensuring technological interoperability, an essential requirement for ensuring that local systems can be integrated efficiently and securely with global solutions, preserving compliance and data flow throughout the organisation.

Digital sovereignty in Europe is not a fleeting trend, but rather a strategic roadmap that seeks to consolidate technological independence and strengthen the capacity to manage data self-sufficiently. By promoting funding programmes under the European Recovery Plan and projects that foster a secure and sustainable digital ecosystem, the European Union is laying the foundations for a more solid and competitive market.