Italy is consolidating its position on the European data center map, with a rapidly evolving sector that is increasingly recognized by institutions. In an interview published by the Huffington Post, Sherif Rizkalla, President of the Italian Data Center Association (IDA), explains how the association—founded just over three years ago and now representing more than 200 companies—has become a key reference point for central government and local authorities. Among the most significant milestones achieved by the sector in 2025 is the introduction of the first ATECO code dedicated to data centers, an important step toward standardizing company recognition and facilitating investment planning.
2025 also saw the signing of a collaboration protocol with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, an agreement that creates a single point of contact for investors interested in developing data centers in Italy. This mechanism supports projects throughout their entire journey, from initial concept to infrastructure delivery, reducing bureaucratic complexity and making Italy more competitive with established markets such as Amsterdam or Frankfurt.
According to Rizkalla, growth prospects are broad: the sector aims to reach 1.2 GW of capacity by 2028, an ambitious target that will require new skills and talent capable of supporting an expanding value chain. Alongside these opportunities, there remains a strong need to counter misinformation that often surrounds the industry—especially on environmental and energy issues—which risks slowing down strategic investments crucial to the country’s digital development.
IDA’s vision is clear: to position Italy as an attractive destination for European digital investments, while fully integrating the sector into national economic strategies. This challenge relies on modern infrastructure, qualified skills and a narrative grounded in data rather than distorted perceptions.
Read the full article:
https://www.huffingtonpost.it/economia/2026/02/10/news/litalia_dei_data_center_che_puo_trovare_un_posto_in_europa-21174240/
