European cloud providers push for open API standard amid sovereignty concerns
SECA is a new open standard for cloud infrastructure management
A coalition of European cloud providers, including Aruba, IONOS and Dynamo, has introduced the Sovereign European Cloud API (SECA), a new open standard for cloud infrastructure management.
Announced at the Dynamo Cloud Business Forum in Milan, SECA is positioned as a way to enhance interoperability, reduce supplier lock-in and promote European digital sovereignty.
Market dominance and interoperability challenges
The European cloud market has expanded significantly, yet European-based providers continue to navigate a competitive landscape dominated by global hyperscalers. SECA aims to offer an open and inclusive API, providing an opportunity for European providers to collaborate and strengthen their position.
Achim Weiss, CEO of IONOS, emphasised the need for a more sovereign European digital ecosystem: “AI and cloud are transforming the global economy, and Europe cannot afford to be left behind. Europe needs a strong, sovereign digital ecosystem. SECA is a critical step in building a secure, independent and future-proof digital infrastructure – one that keeps Europe strong, competitive and in control.”
While SECA presents an opportunity for greater interoperability, its success will depend on how widely it is adopted by European cloud providers and how seamlessly it integrates with existing cloud environments.
The geopolitical and regulatory landscape
SECA comes at a time when European regulators are tightening controls on digital markets. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the AI Act are set to reshape cloud operations within Europe, demanding greater transparency, interoperability and data protection. SECA could align with these regulatory shifts, potentially providing a framework for compliance.
Francesco Bonfiglio, CEO of Dynamo, highlighted SECA’s potential to standardise cloud operations: “Sovereign APIs, like SECA, establish a de-facto standard, driven by large providers like IONOS and Aruba, to build uniform access and control of data by those that will adopt it. A strong handshake of trust between customers and providers.”
The challenge lies in ensuring industry-wide adoption, as Europe’s diverse cloud landscape may require additional efforts to align existing solutions with SECA’s framework.
The role of SECA in the EuroStack initiative
SECA is also being positioned as a foundational element of the EuroStack initiative, a broader effort to create a fully sovereign European cloud ecosystem. Proponents argue that such initiatives are necessary to prevent European data from falling under non-EU jurisdiction, particularly in light of concerns about data governance.
Stefano Cecconi, CEO of Aruba, framed SECA as an industry-driven response to these challenges: “It’s an industry-led initiative, and Aruba is proud to be a key part of it. The creation of these common APIs – with Aruba and IONOS as first movers – marks a pivotal and voluntary step for the European cloud industry towards enhanced interoperability, strengthening the continent’s cloud services ecosystem.”
SECA presents a vision for a more independent European cloud sector, with the potential to increase interoperability and data sovereignty. If widely adopted, it could mark a significant shift in the market. However, its ultimate success will depend on industry engagement and the broader regulatory landscape.