European Cloud Compliance Playbook for Technology Leaders

This guide serves as a comprehensive reference for mid-market technology leaders, including CISOs, DPOs, and CTOs, navigating the complexities of European cloud regulations such as GDPR, NIS2, and DORA. It is structured to facilitate operational decisions rather than legal theory, focusing on practical implications for compliance workflows and infrastructure decisions. The playbook outlines the specific obligations mandated by each regulation, detailing operational cloud implications and common pitfalls faced by mid-market companies. It emphasizes the importance of data processing agreements, international data transfers, and technical measures required under GDPR, while also addressing the cybersecurity requirements of NIS2 and the resilience standards of DORA. Each chapter includes a self-assessment checklist to help organizations evaluate their compliance status and identify gaps. The playbook is intended to provide actionable guidance and is updated to reflect the regulatory landscape as of Q1 2026.