Microsoft plans to build out its cloud and artificial-intelligence operations in the EU, including with an expansion of its data-center network, as businesses in the bloc pressure policymakers to protect EU tech sovereignty.

Microsoft has come out and opposed to any US government orders to suspend European cloud operations, viewing such a move as highly unlikely but a real and relevant concern. In a blog post, Microsoft President Brad Smith confirmed the company would sue if ordered to halt services in Europe amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.

Microsoft has pledged to fight any U.S. government order to halt data center operations in Europe, as it sought to soothe concerns among European customers that trans-Atlantic tensions would lead to service disruptions.