Tech Giant Expands Its Footprint in Europe
Google invests €5 billion to grow its Belgian data and AI infrastructure, marking a historic milestone for the country’s tech industry. The project will create 300 new jobs, expand digital capacity in Wallonia, and advance Europe’s transition toward carbon-free innovation.
The expansion focuses on Google’s Saint-Ghislain campus in Wallonia, which will serve as a key hub for AI and cloud services across Europe. “With today’s announcement, Google strengthens its foundation in Belgium, broadens our investments, and opens new pathways for AI-led transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Vice President for Global Infrastructure at Google.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever hailed the investment as a defining step for Belgium’s economy and green transition. “Google’s expansion demonstrates trust in Belgium’s role as a centre for digital innovation and sustainable growth,” he said. “By creating skilled jobs, growing AI infrastructure, and securing carbon-free energy, Belgium cements its leadership in Europe’s digital future.”
The new facilities will run entirely on renewable power and integrate with Belgium’s green grid, supporting both national and EU 2030 climate goals.
Wallonia Strengthens Its Role in European Innovation
Wallonia celebrates the investment as a key step in its rise as a digital leader. Google’s first Belgian data centre opened there in 2009, and the region now hosts the company’s most significant expansion to date.
“The €5 billion investment reinforces Wallonia’s role as a European hub for data processing and storage,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It creates high-value digital jobs, drives innovation, boosts local infrastructure, and enhances AI expertise. It also supports our region’s digital sovereignty and fits perfectly with our upcoming strategy.”
Local leaders echoed the enthusiasm. “This project strengthens our innovative ecosystem and opens opportunities for other enterprises,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain. “We are proud to work with IDEA to ensure a smooth integration of this initiative into our community.”
Security, Sovereignty, and Strategic Partnerships
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken stressed the importance of balancing global cooperation with national security. “Belgium values its collaboration with global tech companies like Google,” he said. “We continue to expand our cyber and data capacity while maintaining strong safeguards for sovereignty and defence.”
The project will also deepen Google’s partnership with Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecom operator, which is developing sovereign cloud services with the U.S. company. “We welcome Google’s continued investment in Belgium,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “This strengthens our joint mission to drive digital innovation in Europe.”
Through this expansion, Google cements Belgium’s role as a European centre for technological excellence, combining renewable energy, AI development, and strategic collaboration to build a secure, sustainable digital future.
