Office EU promises to protect European companies from US data sovereignty threat

Type: Happening now
Topic: Cybersecurity
Topic: Impact
Publication date: 3 Feb 2026
Author: Tom Clarke - Features writer and podcast host for Stories of Purpose.

Office EU promises to protect European companies from US data sovereignty threat.

In 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague decided to move its internal software system away from US tech giant Microsoft and onto an independent European open-source alternative provider.

This was in response to ongoing data sovereignty threats from the United States government, which uses its powerful Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act to compel US tech companies to share data to aid criminal investigations - even if that data is held by foreign organisations. The US has also recently imposed sanctions on high-profile ICC judges, including its Chief Prosecutor. It highlights a wider issue, with European organisations currently over-reliant on workspaces and software office suites provided by massive US firms like Microsoft and Google.

A new platform

Now, a Dutch team of tech entrepreneurs has developed a new productivity platform that is 100% European owned and runs entirely on European infrastructure. Office EU promises to replicate all of the services currently provided by Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Maarten Roelfs, Founder of Office EU “The Rubicon has been crossed. American tech firms can no longer offer assurances to European companies that their data sovereignty will be protected. We have seen this with the ICC, so the threat is no longer theoretical - it’s real.”

Scope, compatibility, and target users

Office EU includes all the essential productivity apps for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, file storage, email, calendars, and video meetings, and has been developed using open source technology, providing complete transparency for users.

The idea is that European organisations can move their current workflows from the US systems seamlessly and transparently. The apps are also fully compatible with major US equivalents, so users can continue to collaborate with third parties without disruption.

The potential market is huge, with more than 500 million people in Europe — 50% more than the population of the United States — the vast majority of whom are currently using US-based services.

Office EU Founder Maarten Roelfs “The main obstacle is mindset. People are generally reluctant to change their utilities or telecoms provider even if they know they can get a better deal elsewhere. But this situation is different. If your data sovereignty is threatened it can affect your entire operation. Our priority is to demonstrate we offer the same level of quality as the US incumbent providers, and a price point that is the same or lower. We want to make it as easy as possible for companies to switch.”

The Hague as the home of Office EU

It is not a coincidence that Office EU has its heart in The Hague — the international City of Peace and Justice. As the home of many global institutions, charities, and NGOs, The Hague epitomises the spirit of transparency and collaboration which Office EU was built upon.

Maarten Roelfs - Founder and CEO, Office EU “The Hague is a fantastic location for us, not least because it’s a very international city where many governmental and global organisations operate. But it is also a centre for critical thinking, and the people of the city have offered invaluable feedback as we look to grow beyond the Netherlands and into the rest of Europe. I think Europeans are more united than ever in the face of this issue. They understand the current threat presented by the unpredictability of the US Government. Hopefully this is the start of a new movement to protect European data sovereignty.”

Joris den Bruinen, General Director of Security Delta (HSD) “Security Delta (HSD) is proud this platform is rooted in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. In this city we work together and we are a leading hub for digital governance, cybersecurity and innovation. The city actively supports initiatives that strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty and contribute to a secure, open and resilient digital future.”

About the US CLOUD Act

The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act was adopted by the US in 2018. It was created to make it easier for US and foreign authorities to access digital data held by online service providers during criminal investigations.

The CLOUD Act 1) compels US service providers to preserve and produce data they control regardless of where it is stored 2) authorises the US to make special agreements with foreign governments, so authorities in those countries can request electronic data directly from service providers in the US (and vice versa). These agreements help remove legal barriers and speed up access to data needed for investigations.