Major Investment Accelerates Europe’s Digital Transformation
Google commits €5 billion to grow its AI and cloud infrastructure in Belgium. The project stands as the tech giant’s largest Belgian investment, creating 300 new jobs and expanding data capacity in Wallonia. The move marks one of Belgium’s biggest-ever technology projects and strengthens Google’s strategic footprint in Europe.
The company expands its Saint-Ghislain campus to boost access to AI and cloud services across the continent. “With today’s announcement, Google deepens its presence in Belgium, broadens our infrastructure, and accelerates AI-driven progress,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the decision, calling it a milestone for the country’s digital economy and green transition. “Google’s new investment shows confidence in Belgium’s role as a digital and sustainable innovation hub. By creating skilled jobs and securing carbon-free energy, we reinforce our position as a European leader,” he said.
All new facilities will operate on carbon-free energy, connecting to Belgium’s renewable power grid in line with EU 2030 climate objectives.
Wallonia Strengthens Its Role in Europe’s Tech Landscape
Wallonia celebrates Google’s decision as a turning point for its digital development. The company first opened its Belgian data center there in 2009 and now anchors its most ambitious European project in Saint-Ghislain.
“The €5 billion investment confirms Wallonia’s key role as a European hub for data storage and processing,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It generates digital jobs, stimulates innovation, enhances infrastructure, and builds AI expertise. It also reinforces our region’s digital sovereignty and supports our upcoming digital strategy.”
Local leaders voiced enthusiasm for the expansion. “This project transforms us into a thriving innovation ecosystem. We’ll work closely with inter-city agency IDEA to ensure seamless integration,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Belgium Balances Innovation with Security and Sovereignty
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken underlined the importance of strategic balance. “Belgium values partnerships with global technology firms like Google,” he said. “We must enhance our cyber and data capabilities while firmly protecting national sovereignty and security.”
The project also strengthens Google’s cooperation with Proximus, Belgium’s telecom provider, which builds sovereign cloud services with the U.S. company. “We welcome Google’s continued investment,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “It solidifies Belgium’s position as a digital innovation hub and reinforces our partnership.”
Through this initiative, Google places Belgium at the core of Europe’s next digital chapter — merging sustainability, innovation, and data sovereignty to power a carbon-free technological future.
