What is the IPCEI-CIS?
The Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS) is the key digital policy project aimed at strengthening Europe’s digital and technological sovereignty. It was officially approved by the European Commission in December 2023 and involves 12 EU Member States. Around 120 industry and research partners are directly engaged in the initiative, with numerous additional stakeholders benefiting indirectly through collaboration and adoption of its outcomes.
The IPCEI-CIS consists of 19 direct projects led by 19 companies, working together to develop the first EU-wide, interoperable Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum. Beyond these direct participants, around 100 indirect partners – including large enterprises, SMEs, start-ups, and research organisations – are actively involved, further expanding the initiative’s impact across Europe. In total 3.5 billion euro will be made available for the participating projects across Europe.
Beyond these direct participants, many more stakeholders across Europe stand to benefit from the technological advancements and market opportunities that the IPCEI-CIS will create. The initiative prioritises digital sovereignty, interoperability, sustainability, and security to address Europe’s specific challenges in cloud computing.
The role of the IPCEI-CIS in the 8ra Initiative
The IPCEI-CIS is a cornerstone of the 8ra Initiative, providing the necessary funding, framework, and collaborative structure to bring the vision of a European Multi-Provider Cloud-Edge Continuum to life. The projects within the IPCEI-CIS directly contribute to building a decentralised, federated cloud infrastructure that aligns with the 8ra Initiative’s objectives of interoperability, security, and sustainability.
Through the IPCEI-CIS, the 8ra Initiative can integrate cutting-edge innovations across various industries, including AI, smart manufacturing, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. This ensures that Europe remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape while prioritising data sovereignty and technological independence.
Why the IPCEI-CIS is crucial for Europe’s digital future
The European cloud market is currently fragmented, with many small providers unable to compete with large global players. The IPCEI-CIS was established to bridge this gap by:
- Developing a sovereign and competitive European cloud-edge ecosystem
- Ensuring data interoperability and portability across borders and industries
- Reducing Europe’s reliance on non-EU providers by fostering homegrown cloud technologies
- Supporting sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure development
- Enabling secure, real-time data processing for critical applications
The IPCEI-CIS as a driving force for the 8ra Initiative’s vision
By uniting the IPCEI-CIS projects under the 8ra Initiative umbrella, Europe is taking a decisive step towards establishing a strong, federated cloud-edge infrastructure that supports innovation, security, and technological autonomy. The projects funded through the IPCEI-CIS are essential building blocks in achieving the 8ra Initiative’s vision of a seamless, sovereign digital future for Europe.
For more details on specific projects and their contributions to Europe’s digital transformation, explore the initiatives under the 8ra Initiative.