Attending the 2025 European Summit on Digital Sovereignty in Berlin offered a valuable insight into how Europe is redefining its digital priorities during a period of significant change. The discussions made it clear that the question of digital sovereignty is no longer theoretical; rather, it is a strategic necessity concerning competitiveness, security and technological independence.
Against this backdrop, one announcement in particular stood out for its significance and scope.
The Schwarz Group’s commitment to investing €11 billion in a new data centre in Germany was a defining moment at the summit.
Beyond the investment’s substantial size, the initiative demonstrates a clear willingness to strengthen Europe’s digital infrastructure at a time when such leadership is essential.
The project’s characteristics an initial capacity of 200 MW, the potential for up to 100,000 GPUs, and a fully green power supply reflect industrial ambition and a long-term strategic vision that aligns with Europe’s goals for resilience and autonomy.
As Matthias Punz observed in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, ‘Schwarz-Gruppe rettet die Gipfelzahlen’: a remark that subtly captures how this investment has given substance to the summit, thereby reinforcing its relevance.
Why is this contribution so important?
Because Germany is currently in a phase where its digital choices will determine its position over the next decade. Strong industrial players with the capacity to invest on a large scale are crucial to ensuring Europe can rely on its own infrastructure rather than depending on external frameworks.
In this context, Open Source technologies emerged as a fundamental pillar, providing transparency, security, interoperability and the capacity for Europe to develop both sovereign and collaborative solutions, thereby reducing its structural dependency on closed ecosystems.
The impact of the announcement was immediately perceptible throughout the summit: discussions became clearer, priorities were defined more precisely, and the way forward was clearer.
Looking ahead
My participation in the event in Berlin reinforced my conviction that initiatives of this magnitude will determine Europe’s ability to act with confidence in the digital domain. The Schwarz Group’s role, alongside other companies committed to advancing national and European capacities, will be pivotal in this process.
Similarly, adopting and developing Open Source frameworks will be crucial in ensuring that sovereignty does not hinder innovation, but rather drives it forward.
It was an honour to contribute to these discussions and witness the emergence of commitments that can genuinely influence Europe’s digital future firsthand. The work ahead is substantial, but the direction is clear: towards a stronger, more sovereign and more future-ready digital Europe.