KPN and Schwarz Digits launch European sovereign cloud for the Netherlands

• KPN and Schwarz Digits are entering into a strategic partnership.
• The joint offering provides a sovereign European cloud solution for the Dutch market.
• KPN operates the data centers in the Netherlands, while Schwarz Digits’ STACKIT Cloud provides the underlying digital infrastructure.

Rotterdam/Neckarsulm, May 28, 2026 – KPN and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, are launching a European sovereign cloud for the Dutch market as companies seek greater control over their data. The joint cloud solution is hosted in KPN’s data centers in the Netherlands. It guarantees the highest level of digital sovereignty, secured by European law. KPN provides connectivity and IT services, while STACKIT, the cloud platform from Schwarz Digits, delivers the European cloud infrastructure.

European organizations are increasingly seeking greater control over their data and digital infrastructure, particularly in sectors where data protection and security are of critical importance. The solution is therefore primarily aimed at mission-critical organizations and sectors such as government agencies, financial services, and healthcare.

STACKIT provides the digital infrastructure, which is based on open-source software. The service is subject to European jurisdiction, with data processed and stored within Europe. The model ensures data portability and interoperability, enabling organizations to reduce their dependence on individual providers and effectively avoid vendor lock-in. STACKIT is audited according to the BSI C5 criteria catalog, a recognized benchmark at the highest security level for cloud security and transparency.

Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN: “There is a clear need for sovereign cloud solutions in the Netherlands and across Europe. Dutch businesses and public organizations are increasingly seeking greater control over their data and a secure European cloud on a larger scale. KPN is a major Dutch cloud provider, part of our ‘Connect, Activate & Grow’ strategy, particularly in the business market. Developing European sovereign cloud solutions requires action and the ability to pool expertise and resources. That is why I am pleased to announce our partnership today. Together, we are taking an important step forward by combining our customers’ needs, KPN’s expertise, and STACKIT’s knowledge and scale.”

“With the strategic partnership between KPN and Schwarz Digits, we are turning the vision of digital sovereignty in Europe into a technological reality. Through our joint go-to-market strategy, we are combining KPN’s leading market presence with STACKIT’s sovereign cloud stack to create a European powerhouse. A key milestone is the deep integration of our services directly into KPN’s Dutch data centers,” says Bernd Wagner, CSO of Schwarz Digits. “Customers can access the entire solution directly through KPN as their trusted partner. German companies stand to benefit significantly from the new ability to seamlessly utilize the Netherlands cloud region via their existing STACKIT setup. With this step, the STACKIT Cloud is expanding into the Netherlands as another European market, thereby solidifying its position as a European hyperscaler that forms the backbone of a sovereign IT infrastructure and sets new standards.”

Strategic Cloud Offering

The collaboration aligns with KPN’s broader strategic cloud offering, which encompasses public, hybrid, and private cloud solutions. Different data, applications, and risk levels require different approaches. With STACKIT, KPN is expanding its portfolio to include a European sovereign public cloud that operates under European governance and European law. KPN recently co-signed the Open Cloud Alliance Manifesto, which aims to make digital sovereignty more practical through clear agreements on data location, transparency regarding access and control, and the development of Dutch and European alternatives.

The “KPN European Sovereign Cloud, powered by STACKIT” solution is already available in Germany and Austria, while the Netherlands region is expected to be available starting in mid-2027. The solution is offered exclusively through KPN and its partners.

Further information

For more information, visit www.schwarz-digits.de.