Minister Denies Funding for Dutch Cloud Providers in Budget
By Netvora Tech News
Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Stef Blok, has revealed that the government will not provide funding for Dutch cloud providers in the upcoming budget, despite a motion passed by the Dutch parliament in March. The motion called on the government to advocate for increased investment in European cloud alternatives and digital infrastructure within the EU, as well as to identify additional national resources to support European cloud solutions.
Multiple Tracks for European Cloud Providers
The minister, in his response to the motion, outlined several tracks aimed at stimulating European cloud providers. These include the Important Project of Common European Interest on Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI CIS) and Gaia-X. "New IPCEI projects related to cloud-edge infrastructure are currently the main possibility for additional national funding to invest in European cloud alternatives," Blok stated. However, the minister added that the current budget is too tight to include funding for such alternatives.
Consequences for Dutch Cloud Providers
The minister warned that without government investment, Dutch companies and knowledge institutions will be unable to participate in large investment programs, such as IPCEI. This means that Dutch cloud providers will not receive funding from these programs, unlike their European counterparts. "This means that while ten other EU member states, led by Germany, will participate and stimulate the development of European alternatives by national companies and knowledge institutions within these programs, the Netherlands will not," Blok explained.
Integrating Services
The minister also highlighted the limited services offered by European cloud providers compared to their American counterparts. Citing a KPMG conclusion, Blok noted that European providers are not able to offer the same level of service integration as the three largest American providers. "KPMG states that European providers, due to the way they deliver services, are not in the same way able to ensure user satisfaction compared to hyperscalers," the minister stated.
Risks for Dutch Competitiveness
Blok emphasized the risks that this dependency poses for the Netherlands' competitiveness, digital strategic autonomy, and digital economy resilience. He reiterated his commitment to finding ways to increase investment in European cloud alternatives, stating, "I will continue to advocate for more investments, so that competition and choice can emerge."
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