Austria’s Economic Ministry Adopts Sovereign Cloud Platform

BMWET replaces foreign cloud services with Nextcloud to enhance data control, security and strategic independence.

The Austrian Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET) has transitioned to Nextcloud for its digital collaboration needs, marking a significant move toward digital sovereignty. Operated entirely on Austrian infrastructure, the platform replaces reliance on non-European cloud providers and aligns with GDPR and NIS2 compliance requirements. This shift reflects growing concerns over data protection, legal uncertainty and technological dependence in public administration. By choosing an open-source solution, BMWET aims to modernize workflows while retaining full control over sensitive information.

Strategic Shift Toward Sovereignty

BMWET’s decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of foreign cloud services and their implications for public sector data. A risk assessment revealed that exclusive use of US-based platforms could compromise legal safeguards for confidential data. Nextcloud was selected for its ability to combine usability with strict data governance, offering a secure alternative without sacrificing functionality. The Ministry’s infrastructure now hosts all communications and files, ensuring transparency and control remain in national hands.

Florian Zinnagl, Chief Information Security Officer at BMWET, emphasized the importance of protecting data from employees, businesses and citizens. He noted that public institutions bear a heightened responsibility in managing digital assets securely. The Ministry’s approach reflects a broader European interest in reducing dependency on global tech giants. This initiative also signals a shift in how governments evaluate cloud solutions—not just by technical merit, but by strategic alignment.

Implementation and Integration

The rollout of Nextcloud was completed in under a year, following a structured testing phase and internal communication campaign. Around 1,200 employees were onboarded through training and gradual migration, minimizing disruption to existing workflows. Integration with legacy systems allowed BMWET to update its digital service catalog without abandoning familiar tools. While Microsoft Teams remains in limited use, the foundation for long-term independence has been established.

Martin Ollrom, CIO of BMWET, highlighted the importance of user acceptance and operational continuity during the transition. Clear messaging and support helped ensure a smooth adoption process across departments. The Ministry’s experience demonstrates that even complex IT projects can be executed efficiently with proper planning. This success may encourage other public institutions to consider similar strategies.

A Broader European Trend

BMWET joins a growing number of public bodies prioritizing digital sovereignty, including the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Under Dirk Schrödter’s leadership, Schleswig-Holstein has fully embraced open-source solutions for its administrative infrastructure. BMWET is actively engaging with the German team to learn from their experience and explore alternative approaches. These cross-border collaborations reflect a shared European interest in building resilient, independent digital ecosystems.

Open-source platforms are increasingly viewed not just as technical alternatives but as strategic tools for innovation and autonomy. BMWET’s move illustrates how sovereignty can be achieved incrementally through pragmatic decisions. The Ministry’s example may serve as a blueprint for others navigating similar challenges. As digital infrastructure becomes more central to governance, sovereignty is emerging as a key pillar of public sector modernization.