Major Investment Fuels Europe’s Digital Transformation
Google invests €5 billion to grow its AI and cloud infrastructure in Belgium. The initiative represents the tech giant’s largest Belgian project to date, creating 300 new jobs and enhancing Wallonia’s data capabilities. It ranks among the biggest single tech investments in the country’s history and reinforces Google’s expanding footprint across Europe.
The company expands its Saint-Ghislain site in Wallonia to increase access to AI and cloud technology throughout Europe. “With today’s announcement, Google strengthens its roots in Belgium, extends its infrastructure, and advances AI-driven innovation,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the move as a turning point for Belgium’s economy and sustainability goals. “Google’s investment confirms Belgium’s position as a trusted hub for digital innovation,” he said. “By developing advanced AI and cloud capacity, creating skilled jobs, and securing clean energy, Belgium reinforces its digital leadership and supports its energy transition.”
The new facilities will run entirely on carbon-free power and connect to Belgium’s renewable energy network, aligning with EU 2030 climate targets.
Wallonia Strengthens Its Role as a Digital Innovation Hub
Wallonia celebrates the investment as a milestone in its digital journey. Google first built its Belgian data centre campus there in 2009, and now the region hosts the company’s most ambitious European development.
“The €5 billion investment confirms Wallonia’s status as a European centre for data processing and storage,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It creates high-value jobs, drives innovation, improves infrastructure, and boosts AI expertise. This strengthens our region’s digital sovereignty and supports our new digital strategy.”
Local leaders voiced strong enthusiasm. “This expansion fuels a thriving innovation ecosystem and attracts new business opportunities. As local representatives, we’ll work with the inter-city agency IDEA to ensure successful integration,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Belgium Balances Tech Growth with Security Priorities
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken underlined the importance of balancing innovation with national interests. “Belgium welcomes cooperation with global tech leaders like Google,” he said. “We strengthen our cyber and data capacities through open collaboration while protecting national sovereignty and security.”
The project also reinforces Google’s partnership with Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecom operator, which develops sovereign cloud services with the company. “We fully support Google’s continued investment in Belgium,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “This move enhances Europe’s digital strength and deepens our strategic alliance.”
With this expansion, Google cements Belgium’s position as a key hub for innovation, sustainability, and digital sovereignty — propelling Wallonia to the forefront of Europe’s carbon-free technological evolution.
