Digital sovereignty and security have an increasing influence on decision-makers. The report highlights the growing adoption of sovereign cloud zones and stricter obligations under NIS2. Data centres are described as underpinning Europe’s independence, although the report does not reference any political issues nor influence from elsewhere in the world that may be causing the greater desire to create local facilities and services.
The sector’s projected GDP contribution is expected to reach €137.5 billion by 2031, up from €53 billion in 2025, growing at a compound annual rate of 16.3%. The paper distinguishes direct, indirect, and induced effects, and notes construction, operations, and supply chains generate economic activity on the continent.
The lesson to be drawn from The State of European Data Centres 2026 is that European infrastructure strategy integrates power procurement, regulatory compliance, and AI-specific design into planning. Capital investment is likely to continue, but capacity will cluster where energy and connectivity align.
(Image source: “European flag inside the building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg” by European Parliament is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)
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