Lombardy increases data center construction fees in green areas (en.ilsole24ore.com)

• Charges increase 100% in agricultural areas, 200% in green areas
• Goal: encourage brownfield development over greenfield
• Lombardy hosts 63% of Italy's data center proposals

"Lombardy, the first Italian region, approved a law on 26 May 2026 to curb data center construction in agricultural and green areas. Construction charges rise by 100% in agricultural areas and 200% in parks. The law encourages reusing former industrial sites. 33 data centers are active in the Milan metro area, 10 under construction, and 23 under evaluation. Lombardy accounts for 63% of Italy's applications and half of the 22 billion EUR investments nationwide."