Protesters break into Microsoft data center site in Amsterdam as Europe's backlash spreads

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Protesters stormed a construction site for a new Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, engaging in confrontations with law enforcement. Members of the protest group Geef Tegengas, translating to Push Back, claimed responsibility for occupying the site to halt the development. Environmental activists anticipate protests across Europe on Friday and Saturday, advocating for a moratorium on large-scale projects to address concerns about the energy consumption and potential misuse of data centers.

Nathan Timmer, a spokesperson for Geef Tegengas, emphasized the group's opposition to the project, stating, "We don’t want it to be built. Nobody needs it." They further alleged that the facility would primarily be utilized for AI applications, including warfare, data surveillance, and potential genocide. Protestors vowed to continue their demonstrations until construction ceased.

Pro-Palestinian activists also participated in the demonstrations in the Dutch capital. By late afternoon, police were seen escorting activists off the construction site.