The Chamber of Deputies has approved the enabling law that formally recognizes data centers as non‑deferrable and urgent projects of public interest, laying the groundwork for a uniform regulatory framework in a sector considered strategic to the country’s digital development. The bill, first signed by MP Giulia Pastorella (Azione), now moves to the Senate for review.
The law introduces several new measures, including a dedicated ATECO code, incentives for the reuse of brownfield sites, measures for heat recovery, and significant bureaucratic simplification of authorization procedures. Pastorella points out that the push for reform came not only from industry operators but also from mayors of small municipalities, who often struggle to manage proposals for new data center developments due to the lack of clear guidelines.
Despite broad political support, the parliamentary process has taken nearly two years. Pastorella notes that, in the meantime, **Regions—particularly Lombardy and Puglia—**have begun to move independently, signaling a growing and widespread need across the country. The Green party remains the only group expressing concerns, mainly related to the sector’s high energy consumption.
Pastorella reiterates that the priority of the measure is not to “favor operators,” but to create a competitive and sustainable digital ecosystem: “We are ready to displease some if it serves the collective interest.”
To learn more:
https://www.huffingtonpost.it/economia/2026/03/13/news/la_legge_sui_data_center_va_avanti_giulia_pastorella_non_per_gli_operatori_ma_per_il_paese-21410901/
