On the occasion of the European Digital Sovereignty Summit taking place today in Berlin, German Datacenter Association (GDA) and France Datacenter (FDC) are pleased to announce their shared commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, competitiveness and sustainability across Europe.
A Strategic European approach to data center competitiveness
In an era where digital transformation, growing demand and critical infrastructure resilience are paramount, GDA and FDC reaffirm their common goal: to promote European attractiveness through digital competitiveness rooted in robust, secure and sustainable data center infrastructures.
The data center industry has already demonstrated its commitment to Europe through significant investments and infrastructure development, contributing to a robust digital ecosystem. Now, it is essential that the interconnected nature of the data center industry is recognized and that competitive conditions are created for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Key Areas of Action
1. Enhancing the reliability and security of data center networks
GDA and FDC commit to reinforcing critical infrastructure against outages, cyber-threats and supply-chain disruptions. Our shared objective: guarantee uninterrupted service for enterprises, public administration and citizens alike.
2. Accelerating the sector’s green transition
Both associations pledge to champion best practices in energy and water efficiency, the use of renewable energy and the valorization of waste heat. Our development of data centers will be aligned with the European Green Deal and climate objectives.
3. Facilitating regulatory frameworks and fostering digital innovation
Digital infrastructure demands a regulatory environment that is protective, stable and enabling: encouraging innovation, interoperability and free movement of data within the EU while safeguarding European strategic interests. We call for a strengthened European framework to streamline certification, authorization and permitting processes.
Peter Pohlschröder, Vice Chairman of GDA, states: “Digital competitiveness is not just a slogan - it is built on access to resources, supportive legal framework and data security.”
Olivier Micheli, President of FDC, adds: “Together, we carry the responsibility to shape data centers that are competitive, sustainable and aligned with European strategic interests.”
Outlook
With the support of the European Data Centre Association and institutional partners, GDA and FDC aim to position Europe as a global benchmark for data centers that are both resilient and climate friendly. “We therefore urge European authorities to acknowledge the strategic importance of digital infrastructures for the European digital autonomy,” conclude Peter Pohlschröder and Olivier Micheli.
About German Datacenter Association
The German Datacenter Association e.V. (GDA) is the association of the data center industry in Germany and represents its interests in politics and society. The member companies of the GDA represent the diversity of the data center ecosystem. The association offers them a platform to jointly strengthen the growth of the industry and to improve its perception in business, society and politics. The GDA also represents its members in the relevant committees with regard to laws, regulations, standards, norms and political issues. The declared aim is to sustainably improve the framework conditions for the operation of data centers in Germany and to increase the investment attractiveness of German locations. The German Datacenter Association was founded in 2018 and is based in Frankfurt am Main.
Contact: office(at)germandatacenters.com
About France Datacenter
France Datacenter is the unique association of stakeholders in the French datacenter ecosystem. It represents and promotes the sector as the foundation of performance and reliability in the digital economy. The association currently comprises around 120 companies that design, build, and operate data centers. A key player in discussions on the challenges facing digital industries, France Datacenter fosters the formalization of knowledge, skills development, and the adoption of best practices by professionals, to enhance the competitiveness of the French sector.
Contact: contact(at)francedatacenter.com
