The European Cloud Partnership (ECP) is an advisory group set up by the European Commission as part of the European Cloud Computing Strategy to provide guidance on the development of cloud computing in the European Union."EU launches European Cloud Partnership steering board". Computer Weekly, Warwick Ashford, 20 Nov 2012."European cloud standardisation guidelines: what’s it about?". Computing, Patrick Van Eecke & Antoon Dierick, 17 July 2014 The ECP is led by a steering board composed of representatives of the IT and telecom industry as well as European government policymakers."Europe Aims to Regulate the Cloud". New York Times, By Danny Kakim, October 6, 2013
History After publishing a document, "Unleashing the Potential of Cloud Computing in Europe",[Digital Single Market for cloud in Europe is crucial, says EC"]. Computer Weekly, Archana Venkatraman, 27 May 2014. the European Commission set up the European Cloud Partnership in 2012,"European Cloud Computing Strategy to create 2.5 million new jobs". Computer Weekly, January 2014 William Long with a steering board including both government and industry representatives. The ECP's first meeting was held on 19 November 2012; it was chaired by the President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
In 2013 the ECP began drafting its charter."Europe pushes own digital ‘cloud’ in wake of US spying scandal". EurActiv, Aug 29, 2013 That year, as information about the PRISM scandal came to light, the ECP emphasized the need for Europe to develop its own cloud infrastructure, rather than depend on that of the United States."After PRISM, Europe has to move to its own clouds, says Estonia's president". ZDnet, Kalev Aasmae for Estonia Uncovered | July 15, 2013 It completed a report titled "Trusted Cloud Europe" in February 2014 defining its policy, and outlining a process for effective public and private sector participation in cloud computing development in Europe. The report recommended that the commission identify technical, legal and operational best practices, and promote these through certifications and guidelines, and facilitate recognition across national boundaries."Six reasons why cloud computing will transform the way banks serve clients – and the five hurdles to overcome". 28 July 2014. Banking Tech. The report also recommended that the commission identify cloud computing stakeholders and help them work together through consultations and workshops.
In March 2014, the European Commission invited external parties to submit opinions, take part in a discussion forum and complete an online survey in response to the report.
References
External links Trusted Cloud Europe - a policy vision document by the Steering Board of the European Cloud Partnership - page 15