Between Clarity and Transparency, Europe’s First Sovereign Cloud is Luxembourgish
“We have managed to move out of the American jurisdiction to be 100% European.”
What is a sovereign cloud and how does it work?
Our sovereign cloud is hosted across two data centers and is based on the “Google Distributed Cloud Hosted” solution. We partnered with LuxConnect to offer this type of service. The platform includes nearly all the functionalities of current public clouds, with a particular focus on “cloud-native” features in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics.
In other words, we operate Google technology locally with the assurance that no data will leave LuxConnect’s data centers. This is what gives our cloud its sovereignty.
Is there not a paradox in talking about a Luxembourg sovereign cloud while using American technology like Google?
No, because sovereignty in our cloud operates on three levels:
- Data sovereignty and residency: All data is stored entirely in LuxConnect’s Tier IV data centers in Luxembourg, under Luxembourgish law. The data is anonymized, and Google has no access—meaning the American giant cannot identify the clients behind the data.
- Operational sovereignty: Clarence outsources platform management to Proximus, specifically its B2B brand Proximus NXT. This ensures Google cannot shut down or restrict access to client data.
- Technological sovereignty: While the software comes from Google, its components are controlled locally, allowing all workloads to run independently.
Does Clarence have its own dedicated infrastructure?
Yes. The data centers are located at LuxConnect. Clients simply need a connection to the cloud, provided through fully dedicated racks. The platform also physically isolates each client via separate servers, preventing any “data contamination.”
What other advantages does the sovereign cloud offer?
Beyond disconnection from foreign jurisdiction—which is its primary benefit—the platform is at the forefront of technology. It can support Large Language Model (LLM) functionalities and other AI capabilities, unlike many other platforms on the market. These innovations no longer require massive storage infrastructure and can now be hosted in smaller data centers in Luxembourg, something that was impossible ten years ago.
Legally, clients benefit from cutting-edge technology while remaining under Luxembourgish jurisdiction. “We have managed to move out of American jurisdiction to be 100% European,” notes Gérard Hoffmann. Few providers can offer this regulatory framework, which is increasingly valued as digital sovereignty grows in importance. Luxembourg also enjoys a strong reputation for its digital strategy. In the past, the Grand Duchy invested in satellites; today, it is making the same bet with sovereign cloud, positioning itself as a pioneer in this technology.
Can the sovereign cloud adapt to all client needs?
Based on current technologies, the answer is yes. The cloud can handle a wide variety of requirements, particularly regarding AI-related data processing. Today, data comes in many forms, sometimes highly sensitive and directly impacting citizens—for example, in healthcare. Using a public cloud for such data could be risky. This risk of data leakage is why we created this solution.
The sovereign cloud extends possibilities for private and public clients. For instance, a company seeking to protect production line data gains true control over it, as Clarence effectively acts as an extension of their internal IT systems. We firmly believe that more clients will turn to this type of cloud in the future, particularly because it combines optimal data security with a legal framework reinforced by European regulations.
Clarence: the joint venture between Proximus Luxembourg and LuxConnect
Gérard Hoffmann and Paul Konsbruck, CEO of LuxConnect, both serve as managing directors of Clarence, the new entity hosting the sovereign cloud. It is co-owned by the Luxembourg government (via LuxConnect) and the Belgian state (via Proximus).
