**Greece Steps Up in AI with New Data Center Investment**

Greece is making strides in the AI sector with plans for a new data center. Paris-based Data4 announced a €300 million investment to build a data center hub in Paiania, near Athens. CEO Olivier Micheli revealed ongoing negotiations with lenders and local banks to fund the project, which aims to boost the local economy and digital ecosystem.

Data4, managing centers in six European countries, has a €7 billion expansion goal by 2030, including potential for two more centers in Greece for an additional €200 million. However, these further investments are still under discussion.

Data centers, crucial for AI and crypto operations, require significant energy. Europe’s high energy costs pose challenges, but the region remains committed to AI development. The EU AI Act, effective from August, regulates AI systems, impacting Greece's strategy.

Despite energy costs, Greece is pushing forward, establishing an AI advisory committee in October to shape its national strategy. However, EU regulations have faced resistance from tech firms, with some delaying or limiting product launches in the region.