Arte: Datacentres in Europe – The hidden cost of digital progress?

As AI development supercharges its expansion, the EU aims to at least triple its data centre capacity by the end of the decade. Industry insiders and experts argue Europe needs the drive to ensure its digital sovereignty in order to remain competitive globally. Meanwhile, the centres' energy demands, environmental impact and effects on nearby residents have fueled protests across the continent. Is it time to put the brakes on?

This programme is produced by the European platform ARTE and available in 10 languages through the European media partnership BEAM. The hub is coordinated by ARTE and includes Balkan Insight (BIRN), Sinopsis (BIRN Romania), El País (ES), Gazeta Wyborcza (PL), Internazionale (IT), Ir, (LV), Kathimerini (GR), Le Soir (BE) and Telex (HU). The partnership receives EU-funding following DG CNECT’s call for European Media Hubs within the framework of the EU’s Multimedia Actions.