The conflict between Microsoft and Google over cloud services is intensifying in Europe, with Microsoft alleging that Google is driving a “shadow campaign” to sway EU cloud policy. Microsoft claims Google is secretly backing the Open Cloud Coalition, positioning smaller European cloud providers as the face of the movement while promoting Google’s interests in cloud regulation. The coalition, set to launch on October 29, aims to push for open cloud principles, but Microsoft warns that Google’s goal is to undermine Microsoft’s standing amid increased global scrutiny of its own practices.
This development comes after Microsoft’s 2019 licensing change raised EU complaints, arguing it limits competition by restricting Microsoft software to Azure. Microsoft recently settled a case with European cloud providers, but the deal excludes tech giants like AWS and Google, leading Google to file an independent complaint. Now, as a new European Commission prepares to take office, both companies are maneuvering for favorable regulatory stances, with Microsoft claiming Google’s lobbying distracts from its own antitrust challenges.
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A Google spokesperson responded, emphasizing transparency about their coalition membership and concerns that Microsoft’s practices limit customer choices, impacting security and innovation. The European cloud regulation dispute is shaping up as a key battleground, with both tech giants seeking to gain regulatory leverage in the region’s burgeoning cloud market.
