AI is THE technology trend of 2024 – that’s the consensus among IT decision-makers in Germany. Earlier this year, a representative survey commissioned by eco – Association of the Internet Industry revealed that almost three-quarters of respondents (73.6 per cent) see AI as the most important driver of digital innovation. It is clear that AI, quantum computing and other digital technological innovations will fundamentally change our world in all areas over the next decade.

The EU Commission's Energy Efficiency Directive requires operators of data centres with an IT capacity of 500 kW or more to publish their energy efficiency data in the future. The eco Alliance is in favour of common European standards for the energy-efficient and climate-neutral operation of data centres. However, the current reporting obligations should be kept within reasonable limits.

Associations in Germany are calling for improvements in the conditions for network rollout. Today the Gigabit Symposium – organised by ANGA, Bitkom, BREKO, BUGLAS, eco and VATM – is reviewing the situation together with politicians and the industry, with the current German federal government now two years in action. The important EU level groundwork is also under discussion.