According to Euro-net, citing Europe News Agency, the US technology giant Microsoft announced on October 5 that it will build three data centers in Athens, Greece, with an investment of up to 1 billion US dollars. This is Microsoft’s largest investment in Greece in the past 28 years.  Microsoft President Brad Smith and Greek Prime Minister Mizotakis attended the signing ceremony held at the Acropolis Museum that day.

According to reports, according to the agreement, Microsoft will build three large digital data storage centers near Athens. Microsoft and the Greek government negotiated for nine months to finalize this huge plan, including the provision of digital skills training for approximately 100,000 Greek government and private sector personnel, educators, and students. Microsoft currently has data centers in 26 countries and regions around the world, including 7 EU countries. Greek Prime Minister Mizotakis said at the signing ceremony that he welcomes this “significant innovative investment”, which will make Greece one of the few “cloud computing centers” in the world, and it has a positive effect on employment, scientific research and talent retention.

Mizotakis also said that this investment will enhance Greece’s status as an investment destination, have a spillover effect on the economy, and benefit Greek SMEs. Microsoft President Brad Smith said that Microsoft does not often make such investments. This is not an easy decision. Without the help and support of the Greek government, Microsoft cannot take this step. He said, “This is Microsoft’s largest investment in Greece in 28 years, reflecting our confidence in the Greek economy, the Greek people and the Greek government.”

Mihalopoulos, CEO of Microsoft Greece, Cyprus and Malta, said that Microsoft will help Greece achieve digital transformation and the data center will also serve as a regional data center for neighboring countries.

In addition, Microsoft is working with the Greek government to use augmented reality technology to promote ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Since 2020, due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, Greece’s production in the second quarter has fallen by 15.2% year-on-year, and the unemployment rate in June has climbed from 16.4% at the beginning of the year to 18.3%. The Greek government emphasized that it hopes to further balance the development of the national economy after the epidemic, including vigorously developing green energy and digital technology, and no longer need to rely too much on tourism.