Key Insights:

• Greece partners with Data4 to construct data centers, investing €300M to enhance its digital infrastructure and lead regional technology development.
• The first Data4 data center near Athens will be completed by early 2027, supporting Greece’s growing demand for AI and cloud services.
• Greece’s digital transformation attracts global tech firms like Microsoft, positioning the country as a key hub for AI and IT in the Mediterranean.

Greece has taken a major step toward becoming a regional hub for technology and artificial intelligence with the groundbreaking of a new data center near Athens. 

The project, led by French firm Data4, is part of a larger initiative to strengthen Greece’s digital infrastructure and position the country as a key player in the Mediterranean region’s tech and IT sectors.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Data4’s Entry into Greece

On November 19, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Paiania, East Attica, for the construction of Data4’s first data center campus in Greece. The event was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, government officials, and executives from Data4.

During his speech, Mitsotakis emphasized the economic and technological opportunities created by this investment. He stated, 

“The government is committed to supporting projects that drive digital transformation and foster innovation.” 

The project is expected to play a critical role in expanding Greece’s digital capabilities and attracting further investments in the technology sector.

The first building of the data center campus is now under construction and is projected to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027. A second facility will be built based on market demand, according to Data4 CEO Olivier Micheli.

Major Investment in Greece’s Digital Infrastructure

Data4’s investment in Greece is estimated at €300 million for the first two data centers. Micheli indicated that if market conditions allow for a third facility, the total investment could reach €450–500 million. These facilities aim to provide advanced data hosting and connectivity solutions, supporting Greece’s transition to a digital and cloud-based economy.

The initiative aligns with the Greek government’s ongoing efforts to modernize its digital infrastructure and improve public services. Micheli remarked that the government has been proactive in its transition to cloud-based services, making it a significant consumer of digital infrastructure. He also noted that global tech firms are interested in supporting AI and cloud development in Greece.

Part of a Broader Trend in European Data Center Development

Data4’s project in Greece is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence across Europe. The company currently operates data centers in six European countries and plans to invest €7 billion by 2030 in further development.

This investment reflects a growing trend of European countries strengthening their digital infrastructure to meet rising demand for data hosting and AI services. Other major tech companies, such as Microsoft, are also actively investing in the region. Microsoft announced a $2 billion investment in AI data centers in Spain earlier this year and has initiated similar projects in Greece.

Microsoft’s data center investment in Greece, which was first announced in 2020, recently received ministerial approval. This project complements Data4’s efforts to position the country as a competitive tech hub in the Mediterranean.

Enhancing Greece’s Role in the Mediterranean Tech Ecosystem

The construction of Data4’s new campus is expected to create opportunities for skilled professionals and contribute to Greece’s broader ambition of becoming a leader in the technology sector. With increasing investments from global tech companies, Greece is positioning itself as a key hub for AI and cloud technologies in the region.

As digital infrastructure projects continue to expand, Greece is working to attract additional investments and partnerships. The collaboration between the Greek government and global tech firms underscores the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing its technology sector.

This development highlights Greece’s growing role in the European and Mediterranean technology ecosystems, as it continues to invest in projects that support digital transformation and connectivity.