Daily News 21 / 09 / 2026

Commission enhances energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres in the EU

The European Commission proposed today a common rating scheme for data centres aimed at increasing transparency on their energy use and supporting their sustainable integration into Europe's energy system.

Data centres are essential to Europe's digital future. Increasing computing capacity in Europe is important for strengthening Europe's technological independence and digital sovereignty. This is why the EU wants to triple its data centre capacity over the next five to seven years. Still, this growth brings challenges which need to be addressed. In addition to using more energy, an increase of data centres could put extra pressure on electricity grids and the use of natural resources, such as water, and contribute to increase carbon emissions. To limit these impacts, it is essential that data centres are highly energy- and water-efficient and sustainably integrated in the energy system.

With the common rating scheme proposed today, the Commission will help ensure that there is transparent information about the actual use of resources (energy, water) by data centres.

More information is available in the press release.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)

EU Customs Reform marks a new era for customs in Europe

The EU Customs Reform has entered into force, marking the start of a better, smarter and simpler customs system across the EU. Following formal adoption by the Council of the European Union and European Parliament, the reform was published in the Official Journal last Saturday and will be gradually implemented as from today.