As data becomes the driving force of digital transformation, data sovereignty is emerging as a strategic priority in Europe. Beyond compliance, it reflects a broader ambition: ensuring that data generated by European citizens and companies remains governed by European values of privacy, transparency, and security. For organizations, this means balancing global connectivity with local control.

The European Union is leading this movement through initiatives such as the GDPR, the Data Act, and the AI Act, establishing a global benchmark for responsible digital governance. At Digital Enterprise Show (DES), experts and business leaders agree that this framework is not a limitation but a catalyst for competitiveness, enabling companies to innovate confidently within a trusted regulatory environment.

Yet the path to sovereignty presents challenges. Businesses must adapt their infrastructures, ensure data localization and interoperability, and align governance models with evolving regulations. This shift also demands a cultural transformation—where ethical data management and transparency become embedded across all corporate processes.

Those who turn these challenges into opportunities will gain a decisive advantage. By integrating sovereignty principles into their digital strategies, European companies can strengthen resilience, build trust with customers and partners, and position themselves at the forefront of a new, more sustainable data economy.