As geopolitical and technological tensions become increasingly intertwined, data sovereignty is emerging as a strategic priority in Belgium and across Europe. Companies and governments face the challenge of protecting their data and maintaining control over it, while dependency on foreign technology continues to grow and regulations become more stringent. It is a topic that is also high on the agenda today at Easi, known for its strong expertise in cybersecurity. Mirko Montorro, Business Unit Manager at Easi, shares his insights.
Active role for Belgium within European regulation
The evolution toward data sovereignty is translating in Belgium and the broader BELUX region into concrete collaborations and strategic choices. « Our country plays an active role in European initiatives around sovereign cloud, including a consortium (led by Proximus1) that was selected by the European Commission within a €180 million tender to deliver cloud infrastructure », says Mirko Montorro. « This illustrates how data sovereignty takes shape in practice: not by completely excluding foreign technology, but by ensuring control and governance within Europe. »
Belgium’s approach to data sovereignty positions us as a key player within the European ecosystem. We must guide organizations toward a secure and controllable cloud environment, ensuring that data remains within clear legal frameworks.
NIS2: where cybersecurity and data sovereignty converge
Since the introduction of the NIS2 directive in Belgium one and a half years ago, it has become clear that cybersecurity and data sovereignty are becoming increasingly closely linked. NIS2 has significantly tightened requirements around risk management, incident reporting, and governance, while explicitly placing responsibility at management level2. « In Belgium, this is translating into a movement towards digital autonomy. Investments in local infrastructure and initiatives around sovereign cloud demonstrate that the ambition goes beyond NIS2 compliance alone. We are focusing on structural control over data and digital environments », says Mirko Montorro.
One of the biggest cyber threats in 2026 is in fact cloud-related, as stated in Easi’s Cybersecurity Threat Report3. In these attacks, hackers exploit access rights rather than systems themselves, which can lead to unnoticed and persistent exposure of corporate data. « Data sovereignty is therefore a core principle: it determines not only where data is located, but more importantly who has access to it and under which regulations it falls », concludes Mirko Montorro, Business Unit Manager at Easi.
It is no surprise that data sovereignty is a key topic at the Cybersec Europe 2026 trade fair at Brussels Expo. For tech companies, being present there is essential to capture the latest industry developments and engage in dialogue with key vendors. At the same time, it is a valuable opportunity to meet clients and increase visibility within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
*Sources:
- 1 https://www.itpro.com/cloud/cloud-computing/european-commission-awards-digital-sovereignty-contracts-backs-google-cloud-involvement
- 2https://ccb.belgium.be/news/one-year-nis2-belgium-leading-way-and-moving-forward
- 3https://easi.net/en/cybersecurity-networking/threat-report-2026
About Cybersec Europe 2026
Cybersec Europe is the leading cybersecurity and compliance event in the Benelux. Every year, thousands of professionals gather at Brussels Expo for two days of networking, learning, and innovation. The 2026 edition will take place on 20 and 21 May.
For the fourth consecutive year, Easi will participate with its own booth, 05.C089. Meet our experts to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity and the concrete challenges in your industry, or simply stop by to get to know us.
About Easi
Easi is a company specialized in IT services and solutions. It stands out in particular for developing its own business software solutions designed to meet the needs of mid-sized and large organisations. Beyond delivering IT solutions, Easi positions itself as a high-value strategic partner, fostering long-term relationships with its clients. Its approach is built on proximity, trust and operational excellence. Today, Easi employs 682 people. The company places strong emphasis on employee well-being, convinced that client satisfaction starts with the fulfilment and engagement of those who support them every day.