Greece Breaks Ground on Data Center, Boosting Regional Tech and AI Ambitions
The Mediterranean region is poised for a significant technological leap forward as Data4, a French data center operator, and the Greek government officially broke ground on a new Greece data center campus just outside of Athens. The project underscores Greece’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for technology and AI.
A Strategic Step Forward
The ceremony, held on November 19, marked Data4’s entry into the Greek market. The new campus will play a pivotal role in bolstering Greece’s digital infrastructure, enhancing its capabilities in data hosting, cloud services, and AI development.
This development aligns with the Greek government’s broader digital transformation goals. This includes fostering innovation and improving connectivity across the Mediterranean. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the event alongside Data4 executives and government officials.
He emphasized the project’s importance in driving economic growth and creating skilled technical jobs. “The government is committed to supporting projects that drive digital transformation and foster innovation,” Mitsotakis stated during his speech.
Project Details
The initial phase of the Data4 campus includes two Greece data centers, with the first facility expected to be operational by early 2027. Olivier Micheli, CEO of Data4, highlighted the scale of the investment, projecting an allocation of €300 million for the first two centers. A potential third facility could increase the total investment to €450–500 million, depending on market demand.
Data4’s CEO also noted the Greek government’s proactive approach to digital transformation. “The government [here] is very active, [it] has a program transition to the cloud and digital to facilitate the lives of the citizens,” Micheli said, adding that the initiative will also support tech giants investing in Greece.
Greece’s Growing Role in European Tech
This investment follows similar commitments from global technology leaders like Microsoft, which announced a $2 billion investment in AI and cloud services in Spain earlier this year. Microsoft’s Greek investment, unveiled in 2020, complements Data4’s efforts and positions Greece as a competitive player in the European technology landscape.
Data4, which operates in six European countries, has set an ambitious €7 billion investment target by 2030 to expand its Greece data center footprint. This aligns with the growing demand for advanced cloud solutions and AI development across the continent.
Transforming the Digital Economy
The Data4 project is expected to deliver significant benefits, including enhanced data hosting capabilities, improved connectivity, and new opportunities for businesses in Greece and beyond. As Greece continues to attract high-profile investments in the tech and AI sectors, it cements its position as a strategic hub in the Mediterranean.
