2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

Gaia-X aims to create a federated open data infrastructure based on European values regarding data and cloud sovereignty. The mission of Gaia-X is to design and implement a data sharing architecture that consists of common standards for data sharing, best practices, tools, and governance mechanisms. It also constitutes an EU-anchored federation of cloud infrastructure and data services, to which all 27 EU member states have committed themselves¹. This overall mission drives the Gaia-X Architecture.

This version of the Gaia-X Architecture document replaces previous versions of this document.

2.2 Objectives

This document describes the top-level Gaia-X Architecture model. It focuses on conceptual modelling and key considerations of an operating model and is agnostic regarding technology and vendor. In doing so, it aims to represent the unambiguous understanding of the various Gaia-X stakeholder groups about the fundamental concepts and terms of the Gaia-X Architecture in a consistent form at a certain point in time.

It forms the foundation for further elaboration, specification, and implementation of the Gaia-X Architecture. Thus, it creates in particular an authoritative reference for the Gaia-X Federation Services specification.

The Gaia-X Architecture Document is subject to continuous updates reflecting the evolution of business requirements (e.g., from data space activities in Europe), relevant changes in regulatory frameworks, and advancements in the technological state of the art.

More information can be found in these resources:

• Vision & Strategy document
• Gaia-X Labeling Framework
• Gaia-X Trust Framework

Additional information can be found at the publication section of the Gaia-X web-site: Gaia-X List of Publications

2.3 Scope

The Gaia-X Architecture document describes the concepts required to realize Gaia-X compliant data and/or infrastructure ecosystems which constitute the Gaia-X Ecosystem. It integrates the Providers, Consumers, and Services essential for this interaction. These Services comprise ensuring identities, implementing trust mechanisms, and providing usage control over data exchange and Compliance – without the need for individual agreements.

The Gaia-X Architecture Document describes both the static decomposition and dynamic behaviour of the Gaia-X core concepts and Federation Services.