Genova, a strategic digital hub in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea, which has always been a crossroads of civilisations and cultures, is taking on an increasingly central role in the global connectivity and datacenter landscape. Cities such as Genova, Marseille, Barcelona and Crete are emerging as new technology hubs, helping to diversify Europe's digital infrastructure, improving network resilience and reducing dependence on a few established interconnection points.

In a context where data localisation and digital sovereignty have become strategic priorities, data centres in the Mediterranean offer crucial solutions for hosting data close to its point of origin and consumption. This approach is essential for complying with data protection regulations and supporting national and European digital infrastructure strategies.

Genova is establishing itself as one of the most important digital hubs in the Mediterranean. Its coastal location makes it an ideal landing point for major submarine cables, while its proximity to Milan — one of the fastest-growing data centre markets in Europe — further strengthens its strategic role.

Among the most significant projects is the Equinix GN1 facility, which houses the landing point for the 2Africa cable system, connected directly to the Equinix data centres in Milan. Added to this is the BlueMed system, which connects Genoa with Palermo and Milan, offering low-latency routes between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Genova plays a dual role in the digital landscape, serving as a regional hub for high-speed intra-European exchanges and a resilient intercontinental gateway for global data traffic.

This combination makes it an ideal location for both content distribution and cloud infrastructure, responding to the growing demand for reliable, high-performance connectivity.

Investments in submarine infrastructures and a growing focus on sustainability position Genoa as a key player in the digital transformation of the Mediterranean. Its balance between geographical proximity and global reach makes it a strategic asset for Italy and the entire European network.

Edited by Irene Bellotto.