The EU’s €20 billion plan to build five large AI data centers is faltering as
delays and funding uncertainty are deteriorating potential private partners, people
familiar with the matter said. A tender process originally slated for May is now
expected to start in July, and financing is planned in two tranches scheduled
for 2028 and 2030 under a new EU budget still under negotiation. Sources said
funding gaps mean at most two of the five centers are likely to receive money
before the new budget takes effect in 2028. Unclear demand prospects and
uncertainty over subsidy timing are cited as key reasons private investors are
hesitating.
