How does an operator build a data centre in a CADA acceleration zone, step by step?

Under the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA), building a data centre in a designated acceleration zone would follow a streamlined permitting path

Summary Under the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA), building a data centre in a designated acceleration zone would follow a streamlined permitting pathway. As proposed in Article 13, operators would benefit from an "aggregated baseline permit" prepared by the Member State for the zone, so a project covered by it needs additional permits only for activities outside that baseline (Article 13(4)). The permit-granting procedure "shall not exceed 12 months" from submission of a comprehensive application (Article 13(5)), supported by a national single information point under Article 12.

Detail

CADA (COM(2026) 502 final, a proposal not yet in force) would introduce a framework to address the EU's shortage of computing capacity. A core component is Member States' designation of "data centre acceleration zones." For operators deploying in these zones, CADA proposes a distinct, simplified administrative process, set out mainly in Articles 12 and 13: engage a single information point, rely on a pre-issued baseline permit, and benefit from a firm timeline.

Step 1: Confirm zone designation and eligibility

Confirm that the intended site lies within a Member State-designated acceleration zone. Under Article 10(1), where data centre capacity is being deployed in its territory, a Member State must designate at least one acceleration zone within six months of the regulation's entry into force, considering factors such as power grid capacity, network connectivity and sustainability potential. Only projects deployed within these designated zones benefit from the accelerated procedures below.

Step 2: Engage the single information point

Article 12(1) gives a data centre operator the right, upon request, to be assisted by a single information point throughout the entire lifecycle of the project, with respect to all authorisations required for deployment.

Scope of support (Article 12(2)): the point coordinates, facilitates, monitors and shares information on spatial planning and building permits, environmental assessments, authorisations regarding water abstraction, wastewater discharge and heat utilisation and recovery, compliance and reporting obligations, public information, and network connections.
Strategic project assessment (Article 12(3)): the point also "shall assist in assessing whether a data centre project may qualify as a strategic project under Article 14," which can unlock support measures.
SME focus (Article 12(4)): the point shall pay particular attention to SMEs and, where appropriate, establish a dedicated communication channel for them.

Early engagement is a strategic first step to map required authorisations and identify bottlenecks before submitting the formal application.

Step 3: Rely on the aggregated baseline permit

The most significant administrative relief is the aggregated baseline permit, introduced in Article 13(2).

Pre-issued coverage: for each designated acceleration zone, Member States must prepare and issue an aggregated baseline permit covering the permits and administrative authorisations required for data centre projects located within that zone.
Exclusion: the baseline permit explicitly excludes "installation-specific permits." Zone-level matters may be pre-cleared, but installation-specific elements still require individual approval.
Pre-completed assessments (Article 13(3)): before issuing the baseline permit, Member States must carry out all necessary procedures and assessments, including relevant environmental assessments, planning procedures and evaluations applicable at the level of the zone. This shifts broad environmental and planning compliance from the operator to the Member State.

Verify that your project design fits the conditions of the aggregated baseline permit; if it does, you would not need to re-apply for those authorisations.

Step 4: Secure permits outside the baseline

Article 13(4) provides that data centres in acceleration zones are required to obtain additional permits only for activities falling outside the aggregated baseline permit.

Targeted applications: identify which aspects of your project fall outside the baseline — typically installation-specific details.
Efficient processing (Article 13(5)): Member States must ensure these applications are processed in an efficient, transparent and timely manner.

Step 5: The 12-month permit-granting limit

Article 13(5) provides that the permit-granting procedure for data centre projects deployed in acceleration zones "shall not exceed 12 months, from the moment a comprehensive application has been submitted," without prejudice to any shorter limits a Member State sets.

The clock starts on a comprehensive application: complete documentation matters, which is why working with the single information point (Step 2) is valuable.
National significance status: where such a status exists in national law, these projects "shall be allocated the status of highest national significance possible" and be treated as such in permitting. As proposed, this applies only where the status already exists and does not oblige Member States to introduce it.

Step 6: Sustainability and fair-access conditions

Deployment must comply with the conditions for acceleration zones under Article 11.

Sustainability KPIs (Article 11(1)): when setting sustainability requirements for data centres in zones, Member States shall use the key performance indicators specified in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1364 (pursuant to Directive (EU) 2023/1791), Annex II, points (a) to (n).
Fair access (Article 11(2)): resources within zones must be allocated on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, without speculative reservation or foreclosure practices that could impede effective competition or the development or use of those zones.

What this means for you

For cloud service providers and data centre operators, CADA as proposed would shift deployment from fragmented national permitting toward a harmonised, accelerated framework.

Reduced administrative burden. The aggregated baseline permit removes the need to run zone-wide environmental and planning assessments individually; focus shifts to installation-specific compliance.
Predictable timelines. The 12-month cap gives a firm target for approval, cutting uncertainty in capital-intensive projects.
Strategic engagement. Use the single information point to validate completeness before submission, so the 12-month clock starts on a comprehensive file.
Zonal strategy. Prioritise acceleration zones when selecting sites; projects outside zones would not benefit from the baseline permit or the 12-month limit.
Sustainability from the outset. Align your design with the KPIs referenced in Article 11(1); non-compliance with zone sustainability conditions could jeopardise eligibility.

Common misconceptions

"The aggregated baseline permit covers everything." No. Article 13(2) and (4) exclude installation-specific permits; you still need approval for elements unique to your facility.
"The 12-month limit runs from when I express interest." No. Article 13(5) starts the clock when a comprehensive application is submitted; incomplete applications can delay it.
"Single information points are just customer service desks." No. Article 12(2) gives them an active role coordinating, facilitating and monitoring procedures.
"All EU data centre projects get these benefits." No. The streamlined process applies only to projects deployed within designated acceleration zones (Article 10); projects outside remain subject to standard national procedures.

This is general information about a draft EU regulation, not legal advice.