According to the Bank’s website, the project consists in a newly created Investment Platform with French National Promotional Bank Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC). EIB's contribution will materialise through a contingent loan. The EIB intervention will leverage CDC's and other investors' investment capacity towards the development of Data Centers in France and more specifically in cohesion regions.

Europe's digital sovereignty and global competitiveness depend on strong and secure internal and external connectivity networks. Both dimensions will be vital for achieving the objectives of Europe's Digital Decade. Within Europe, resilient and secure connectivity is the pillar of a successful digital transformation. The Commission has been working closely with Member States to improve connectivity within the EU, particularly to roll out advanced networks and it particular the aspect of network security through the Recommendation on the Connectivity Toolbox.

The deployment of the data centers will enable the delivery of an innovative and secure private and hybrid cloud offering, while ensuring the sovereignty over the data managed, and compliance with local data security regulations (e.g. GDPR). The project thus supports Europe in its efforts to foster its competitive position in the IT infrastructure and services business and therefore contributes to the European Data and Digital Strategy by investing in innovation enabling facilities, such as data centers as well as related services. The project is also in line with the 2020 joint declaration by the EU Member States on the European cloud federation initiative.

The project is thus eligible under article 309 point (c) common interest and point (a) projects for developing less-developed regions, for applicable parts. Regarding the EIB's Public Policy Goals (PPGs), the project contributes to Innovation, Digital and Human Capital, Digital Infrastructure.

No contact information provided at the time of disclosure.

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