Greece is pushing to transform its former coal-mining region of Western Macedonia into a major European data center hub, with the government in active talks with Google, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services about investing in the Kozani area.

The €5.75 billion project, targeting completion by 2027, carries five strategic objectives: storing Greek state and private data domestically; positioning Greece as a regional data hub serving the Balkans and potentially Ukraine; capitalizing on Middle East instability by attracting Gulf states seeking secure data storage; hardening national infrastructure against cyberattacks on hospitals, banks and public services; and building AI-capable infrastructure.

The ministries of State and Digital Governance, along with the PPC are leading negotiations. The Kozani region offers large available land, stable green energy and connectivity advantages through fiber-optic submarine cables linking Greece to Egypt and broader European networks. The project is expected to create 20,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions.

Source: Ekathimerini.com