The Dutch Parliament is taking bold steps to reduce its dependence on US cloud technology after concerns were raised about cybersecurity and autonomy. On March 21, 2025, a series of resolutions were passed, urging the government to sever ties with American cloud providers. These motions label reliance on US technology as a "threat to autonomy and cybersecurity," a sentiment echoed by various officials.
At the same time, the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) expresses anxiety regarding Europe's dependency on US companies for electronic transaction infrastructure, specifically highlighting card payment systems dominated by firms like Visa and MasterCard. DNB's annual budget presentation revealed a significant concern: relying on foreign entities for payment processing poses the risk of political leverage by the US, especially under the leadership of Donald Trump. This situation compels European authorities to rethink their strategies.
The recent criticism from the DNB accelerates the ongoing discourse surrounding Dutch cloud service providers—an issue being deliberated since at least 2022. According to findings from January 2025 by the Dutch Court of Auditors, ministries had unknowingly employed public cloud services hosted by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, raising alarms about potential security risks. This led to calls for the establishment of a national cloud infrastructure that would be under full Dutch governance. This strategic pivot aims not only to safeguard sensitive communications and data but also to ensure greater autonomy from US oversight.
Proponents of these motions emphasize the necessity for Dutch strategies designed to affix the nation’s data sovereignty. "The control by foreign governments over how and to whom we can make payments is undesirable," stated a representative from DNB, stressing the urgency for alternatives to US domination in financial technologies.
In pursuit of more resilient structures, the DNB advocates the development of European payment options. Among proposed solutions is the digital euro, a project underway from the European Central Bank aimed at allowing secure transactions even during widespread digital disruptions. Complementing this initiative is the potential expansion of the iDeal payment system, which could offer a robust alternative for European users.
The urgency of developing these alternatives has intensified as Donald Trump’s policies continue to cause uncertainties. Although he has not yet utilized the CLOUD Act against the Netherlands, experts warn that he might demand US cloud providers to hand over Dutch data or otherwise disrupt services to exert influence. This potential threat is shaping the direction of Dutch tech policy and prompting discussions on self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, a notable aspect of this emerging strategy involves the reconsideration of existing contracts with US tech giants. One motion specifically calls for the government to reassess its use of Amazon Web Services in hosting the Netherlands’ internet domain and favors giving preferential treatment to European firms in public procurement processes.
As part of this broader discussion, it is important to note that about one-third of the Netherlands’ gold reserves is stored within US borders, specifically at the Federal Reserve in New York. This fact adds another layer to the complexities of the financial relationship between the Netherlands and the United States. In 2014, a portion of these reserves was repatriated, but Governor Klaas Knot of the DNB has reaffirmed the safety of these assets, noting that solid contracts with the Fed prevent any political misuse.
Amidst all these changes, there’s a palpable shift in attitude towards technological independence. With discussions of a national cloud and enhancing digital alternatives like the digital euro, the Netherlands is positioning itself as a nation ready to tackle global challenges in technology and finance head-on. “This is not a time of change, but a change of era,” Knot stated, likening the current transformation to a monumental shift in payments systems and cloud computing dynamics.
The developments in Dutch Parliament and DNB present a crucial narrative not just for the Netherlands but for all of Europe, as reliance on American technology is increasingly scrutinized. While grappling with the potential implications of US policies, there is an emerging determination resonating throughout Europe—to create a resilient, independent framework capable of withstanding external pressures.
The overall trend indicates a strategic pivot that could redefine the landscape of cloud technology and payment systems in Europe. As these motions are implemented, they pave the way for a more secure digital future, aligning directly with a broader desire for national autonomy and cybersecurity. Europe’s path forward will involve substantial effort in developing indigenous solutions to ensure that dependency on external entities becomes a thing of the past.
