Protesters break into Microsoft data center site in Amsterdam as Europe’s backlash spreads
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Protesters broke into a construction site for a new Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, with some climbing a crane and setting off flares while others clashed with police.
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — Protesters stormed a construction site for a new Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, with some scaling a crane and igniting flares while others engaged in confrontations with law enforcement. Nathan Timmer of the protest group Geef Tegengas explained that the group was occupying the site to halt construction, expressing concerns over the potential use of the facility for artificial intelligence warfare, data surveillance, and genocide. Protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until construction ceased.
Similar protests were staged in several European countries on Friday and Saturday, demanding a moratorium on large-scale data center developments to address social and environmental concerns. Protesters in Germany, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom vowed to join the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" events.
Microsoft acknowledged the protest in Amsterdam, stating that they understand the strong emotions surrounding the project but do not condone any unlawful actions. The company emphasized their commitment to peaceful expression of views.
The protests come in the aftermath of the U.S. midterm elections, which have spurred Democrats to pledge stricter regulations on data centers due to their significant energy consumption and environmental impact. European civil society and grassroots groups plan to join the events in 15 countries.
In Germany, a dozen protesters gathered in front of a data center near Berlin, expressing concerns about the "blind construction of data centers" and their potential dangers to the future. In Poland, around 100 people protested against data centers in front of the parliament, representing communities in Warsaw where new facilities are planned.
Italy, the country with the fastest-growing data center industry, witnessed a national demonstration demanding a moratorium on new projects and a national strategy for the industry's growth.
Europe is projected to attract $5.6 trillion in capital expenditure for data centers between 2026 and 2050, accounting for approximately 18% of global investments, according to PwC's Global Data Centre Outlook 2026–50. The U.S. is expected to see $15.1 trillion in data center capital spending during the same period.
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