Your data, your rules

the smart path to digital independence

Bart Heesink –

We’re seeing more and more organizations realise that digital dependence is a serious risk. Just like the International Criminal Court switched from Microsoft 365 to the European open‑source alternative Open Desk, you also don’t want to remain dependent on foreign tech giants. It’s about privacy, innovation, and protecting your intellectual property— all built on a solid Dutch foundation.

What does digital sovereignty actually mean?

Digital sovereignty is simple: you decide where your data lives, who can access it, and which technology you trust. It’s the digital version of autonomy. Many organizations unknowingly use closed SaaS platforms that are operated outside Europe. That means not only your data, but also your strategic freedom ends up in the hands of others.

Why is this becoming increasingly urgent?

  • Widespread dependence – From communications to health care, from education to government services, foreign tech companies are showing up everywhere.
  • Changing terms – A price hike, a change in service conditions, or even a sudden discontinuation of a product can hit your organization directly.
  • Different regulations – Data that lives “in the cloud” is often stored on servers beyond your control and subject to laws you have no influence over.

In short, digital sovereignty isn’t just about technology; it’s about trust, security, and future‑proofing.

How we shape digital sovereignty at Leukeleu

  1. Full control over your data
    We host all applications exclusively in the Netherlands or the EU, in ISO 27001‑certified data centers. Your data stays under Dutch/EU privacy law (GDPR) and remains under your management.
  2. Open‑source as a foundation
    Using proven frameworks such as Python, Django, OpenWebUI, and Vue.js means you don’t build black boxes. Everything is transparent, customizable, and portable—no vendor lock‑in.
  3. Privacy by design
    Security and privacy aren’t add‑ons; they’re core principles. We anonymize data wherever possible and design systems with built‑in user control and data safety.
  4. Independence from big tech
    We avoid unnecessary reliance on large commercial cloud or AI platforms. When needed, we use European alternatives or host models and datasets locally.
  5. Sustainable collaboration
    Beyond delivering software, we help you build knowledge in‑house. This way, technical expertise doesn’t stay with us alone; your organization becomes stronger and more self‑reliant.
  6. Clear data governance
    Together we establish strict governance: anonymization, explicit consent, transparent terms of use, everything required to manage your data safely and responsibly.

Why this matters right now

Digital sovereignty isn’t just a governmental issue; it touches every organization that works digitally. Those who consciously choose their own technology, data, and ownership today avoid a painful shock of dependence later. It’s a new form of sustainability: not only energy‑ and environmentally friendly, but also autonomous, responsible, and delivering long‑term value.

The future: local yet connected

We believe in collaboration based on open standards. That’s the power of open source: sharing knowledge without losing control. Together we’ll build a digital ecosystem that is safe, transparent, and future‑proof—with technology that truly belongs to us.

Conclusion: Time to take back the reins

Do you want to free your organization from foreign dependencies and regain digital sovereignty? Contact us today. We’ll show you how open‑source, local hosting, and tight governance put the strings back in your own hands.

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