The case for European cloud providers

For businesses operating in Europe, choosing a cloud provider isn’t just a matter of cost and performance. Compliance, regulatory alignment, and long-term strategic flexibility also play a significant role. With regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) shaping how companies handle data, the need for cloud solutions that align with European standards has never been more critical.

European cloud providers are stepping up with infrastructure and services that not only meet these regulatory demands but also deliver high performance and scalability. Here’s how European cloud providers compare to their U.S. counterparts.

Compute infrastructure: OVHcloud vs. AWS & Azure

OVHcloud, headquartered in France, is one of Europe’s largest cloud infrastructure providers. It offers a broad range of cloud computing services, including bare metal servers, managed Kubernetes, and multi-cloud solutions.

  • Data sovereignty: OVHcloud operates data centres exclusively within Europe, ensuring customer data remains under EU jurisdiction without the complications of U.S. legal frameworks like the CLOUD Act.
  • Transparent pricing: Unlike AWS and Azure, which use complex pricing models with variable egress fees, OVHcloud offers predictable pricing, making budgeting more straightforward.
  • Security & compliance: Fully compliant with GDPR, OVHcloud provides robust security measures, including ISO 27001 certification and SecNumCloud accreditation for highly sensitive workloads.
  • Performance & latency: With data centres strategically located across Europe, OVHcloud reduces latency for European businesses and provides reliable performance.
  • Containerisation & migration: OVHcloud’s strong support for Kubernetes and containerised applications simplifies migration from AWS and Azure. Businesses can deploy cloud-agnostic workloads, reducing the risks associated with vendor lock-in and ensuring operational resilience.

While AWS and Azure offer a broader global reach and extensive service catalogues, OVHcloud provides a strong alternative for organisations prioritising European compliance, cost efficiency, and sovereignty.

Edge & security: Gcore vs. Cloudflare

For businesses leveraging edge computing, content delivery networks (CDN), and cybersecurity solutions, Cloudflare has long been a dominant player. However, Gcore, a Luxembourg-based provider, is rapidly expanding its footprint and offering a compelling European alternative.

  • Global CDN with a European focus: Gcore’s CDN includes over 140 points of presence worldwide, ensuring fast, reliable content delivery with a strong emphasis on European infrastructure.
  • DDoS protection & security: Like Cloudflare, Gcore provides enterprise-grade DDoS protection, a Web Application Firewall (WAF), and advanced security solutions—all under EU jurisdiction.
  • Transparent pricing & compliance: With clear pricing structures and GDPR-compliant data processing, Gcore ensures businesses can operate securely within European regulatory frameworks.

While Cloudflare continues to lead in global reach, Gcore’s focus on European compliance and security makes it a strong choice for organisations looking to keep their cloud infrastructure under EU jurisdiction.

Other European cloud providers worth considering

Beyond OVHcloud and Gcore, several other European cloud providers offer mature and scalable solutions:

  • Scaleway (France): A strong competitor to OVHcloud, Scaleway provides a wide range of cloud services, including managed Kubernetes, serverless computing, and high-performance object storage. Its flexible pricing and focus on sustainable infrastructure make it an appealing option.
  • Hetzner (Germany): Known for its cost-effective dedicated and virtual cloud servers, Hetzner is a solid choice for businesses looking for affordable yet powerful compute solutions.
  • Exoscale (Switzerland): A privacy-first cloud provider with a strong emphasis on security and compliance, particularly appealing to organisations in regulated industries.
  • UpCloud (Finland): Known for its high-performance cloud servers and competitive pricing, UpCloud provides a reliable alternative for businesses seeking a cloud provider with a European footprint.

Minimising risk with cloud-agnostic solutions

Containerisation has become a key enabler for cloud flexibility. Kubernetes and containerised workloads provide a seamless way for businesses to migrate between cloud providers, reducing dependency on a single platform. By adopting a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud approach, companies can mitigate risks such as service outages, unexpected price changes, or regulatory shifts.

OVHcloud, Gcore, Scaleway, and other European providers all offer strong Kubernetes support, making them viable options for businesses looking to build scalable, cloud-agnostic architectures. Whether migrating workloads from AWS, Azure, or Cloudflare, these providers enable a smooth transition without the need for significant re-architecting.

Choosing the right cloud provider for your business

Selecting a cloud provider goes beyond comparing technical features. Businesses need to evaluate factors such as data sovereignty, compliance, pricing transparency, and long-term operational resilience. While AWS, Azure, and Cloudflare remain industry leaders, European providers like OVHcloud, Gcore, Scaleway, Hetzner, and UpCloud are proving that organisations can achieve the same level of scalability and security while keeping their cloud strategy aligned with European regulations.

As cloud computing evolves, diversifying infrastructure across multiple providers is becoming an essential strategy. European cloud providers are not only closing the gap with their American counterparts but also offering distinct advantages in regulatory compliance and data governance.

Are you considering using a European cloud provider? Get in touch to talk to one of our cloud experts!