Protesters demand moratorium on new data centers in Milan

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 10, 2026: Protesters gather for a sit-in in Piazza della Scala in central Milan to oppose the development of new data centers across Lombardy and Italy. The demonstration is organized by the Rete dei Comitati No Data Center (No Data Center Committee Network), which is calling for a moratorium on permits for new facilities. The group also urges public authorities to conduct thorough environmental, urban planning and regional assessments before approving projects. For approved facilities that have not yet begun operating, campaigners are calling for reviews to be reopened if potential microclimate effects and cumulative impacts with existing facilities were not adequately assessed. Lombardy is a major center for Italy’s data center industry. In 2024, the region hosted 67 of Italy’s 168 operational facilities and accounted for approximately 63% of applications for new developments, according to the supplied information. Photo by Calogero Russo / JNA Press. (Photo by calogero russo/JNA Press via Nexpher Images)