Markets and policy
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Milan Microsoft data centre faces permit scrutiny
Peschiera Borromeo officials have defended planning approvals for Microsoft’s San Bovio data centre, amid questions about independent legal advice, land use compatibility, and the application of Lombardy’s June 2026 legislation.
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Zamora challenges hyperscale project’s planning designation
Zamora’s municipal government has proposed a motion opposing special regional-project treatment for a hyperscale data centre at Monfarracinos, demanding fuller scrutiny of water, electricity, land use, employment, and local economic effects.
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EurEau demands binding data centre water safeguards
European water association EurEau wants local water availability to become a binding consideration in AI data centre planning and permits, arguing that digital infrastructure expansion must not jeopardise public drinking water supplies.
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UK clarifies proposed cyber duties for data centres
Ministers say qualifying commercial data centres would fall within the Network and Information Systems regime under the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which remains before Parliament ahead of Lords report stage.
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Government considers priority designation for data centres
UK ministers are considering Critical National Priority status for data centres as they develop a dedicated National Policy Statement. The designation has not been adopted and consultation is still pending.
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Platform DC submits Warrington data centre application
Platform DC has submitted plans for a 260,000 sq ft data centre at the former Unilever site beside Warrington Bank Quay, proposing fuel cells and closed-loop cooling while planning approval remains outstanding.
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Swiss government opens CHF7bn cloud services procurement
Switzerland has opened its Swiss Government Cloud procurement, with a CHF7 billion optional purchasing ceiling over 14 years. The programme combines public cloud options with infrastructure operated in federal data centres.
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SEGRO confirms continuing West London negotiations
SEGRO says negotiations continue for its first fully fitted West London data centre through its Pure DC joint venture, with a hyperscaler pre-let expected but unsigned.
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DIGITALEUROPE seeks targeted cloud sovereignty rules
DIGITALEUROPE has urged EU lawmakers to reserve strict cloud sovereignty requirements for highly sensitive public workloads, arguing for consistent rules across member states.
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VivoPower agrees sovereign AI infrastructure partnership
VivoPower and Open Innovation AI have signed heads of agreement to pursue sovereign AI data centre developments across Europe and other regions, targeting substantial future capacity.