Greece Pushes for Major Data Center Hub in Kozani, Courts Tech Giants
Athens, March 7 – Greece is making a concerted effort to establish its former coal-mining region of Western Macedonia as a pivotal European data center hub. The Greek government is currently engaged in active negotiations with leading technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, regarding potential investments in the Kozani area. This ambitious €5.75 billion project, slated for completion by 2027, is designed to achieve five key strategic objectives.
The primary goals of this initiative include the domestic storage of Greek state and private data, positioning Greece as a crucial regional data hub for the Balkans and potentially Ukraine, and leveraging Middle East instability to attract Gulf states seeking secure data storage solutions. Furthermore, the project aims to bolster national infrastructure against cyberattacks targeting essential services such as hospitals, banks, and public utilities, and to develop robust infrastructure capable of supporting advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.
High-Level Negotiations and Strategic Advantages
Negotiations are being spearheaded by the ministries of State and Digital Governance, in collaboration with the Public Power Corporation (PPC). The Kozani region has been identified as an ideal location due to its extensive available land, access to stable green energy sources, and strategic connectivity advantages. These include existing fiber-optic submarine cables that link Greece to Egypt and integrate into broader European networks, providing high-speed and reliable data transmission capabilities.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been actively involved in these discussions, recently meeting with Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Judson Althoff, and other senior executives of the company in Athens on June 17, 2025. Such high-level engagements underscore the government’s commitment to attracting these global tech players and realizing its vision for a digital transformation.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is anticipated to deliver significant economic benefits, particularly in terms of employment. Projections indicate the creation of approximately 20,000 construction jobs during the development phase and an additional 2,000 permanent positions upon completion. This substantial job creation is expected to revitalize the Western Macedonia region, which has traditionally relied on coal mining, providing new opportunities and fostering economic diversification.
The shift towards a data-driven economy aligns with Greece’s broader strategy to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. By investing in state-of-the-art data centers, Greece aims to attract further foreign direct investment and establish itself as a leader in digital innovation within Southeast Europe.
Broader Implications for Regional Security and Digital Future
Beyond economic considerations, the establishment of a robust data center hub carries significant implications for regional security and Greece’s digital future. The ability to store critical national data domestically and to offer secure data solutions to neighboring countries strengthens digital sovereignty and resilience against evolving cyber threats. The focus on AI-capable infrastructure also positions Greece at the forefront of emerging technologies, fostering innovation and attracting specialized talent.
This initiative is part of a series of strategic moves by Greece to enhance its technological landscape. Recent developments include Metlen’s agreement on Leopard tanks, a venture studio for AI startups, and French defense tech startup Alta Ares expanding its European presence in Greece. Additionally, Athens has seen increased interest from companies like Binance, further solidifying its growing role as a tech hub.
As Greece continues to court major technology firms, the Kozani project represents a cornerstone of its digital agenda, promising to reshape the region’s economic landscape and elevate Greece’s standing as a key player in the European and Balkan digital infrastructure network.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1297283/athens-courts-big-tech-for-balkans-data-hub/
