Abstract 

“Data Center Destination Mediterraneo – Strategic Visions for Data Infrastructure in Southern Europe” is a forward-looking white paper that explores the Mediterranean’s emerging role as a strategic digital hub for Europe. As the continent undergoes a profound transformation driven by the data economy, Southern Europe is gaining momentum thanks to its geographic advantages, renewable energy potential, and increasing institutional engagement. 

The report presents a comprehensive overview of the European data center market, highlighting key trends such as the rise of colocation facilities, the push for energy sustainability, and the growing importance of regional hubs beyond the traditional FLAP-D cluster. It emphasizes how cities like Milan, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, and Athens are becoming central to the next wave of digital infrastructure development. 

Drawing from the outcomes of a strategic roundtable hosted by Mediterra DataCenters in Rome, the paper outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the sector—from energy access and regulatory frameworks to connectivity and cybersecurity. It also showcases Mediterra’s mission to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive data center ecosystem across Italy and the Mediterranean basin. 

This publication is both a snapshot of the current landscape and a call to action for stakeholders across public and private sectors. It advocates for coordinated investment, policy innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of Southern Europe as a digitally sovereign, globally connected region.