DT Joins Project to Build European Cloud-Edge Infrastructure

Deutsche Telekom has begun the development of a common European cloud and edge-cloud infrastructure. The European Commission has given the green light for the strategic project, which will take place as part of the Important Projects of Common European Interest – Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure & Services (IPCEI-CIS) framework.

This marks a pivotal step towards a prosperous European digital future. The IPCEI-CIS program aims to establish a common European “Cloud-Edge Continuum” – one shared cloud-edge infrastructure for Europe, with no internal borders. To this end, several billion euros will be invested within Europe to foster future data connectivity. The initiative seeks to establish a common set of technical standards, a shared regulatory framework, and sustainability requirements for European edge-cloud technology.

This will encourage the development of pan-European solutions that leverage the continent’s scale and deepen the single market for digital services. A cloud-edge continuum also allows solutions to work across international borders, such as autonomous logistics processes, or driverless vehicles.

IPCEI-CIS is a collaborative project which currently involves twelve EU member states and various industry leaders, including Bosch, SAP, Orange and Airbus. The project will make a significant contribution towards the EU’s declared “Digital Decade” goal of 10,000 edge-cloud nodes across the continent by 2030. Approved IPCEIs include a rail and road connection between Germany and Denmark, as well as a multi-billion-euro public investment in Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure.

“Edge Cloud represents the next frontier in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. With the support of the German government and European partners, we're not just exploring this frontier; we want to shape and define it. This research promises a brighter, more connected, and sustainable digital future for Europe,” said Klaus Werner, Managing Director for Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland.