Google's €5 Billion Investment in Belgium: Boosting AI and Cloud Infrastructure

Google to invest 5 billion euros in Belgium, creating 300 jobs

BRUSSELS, Oct 8 (Reuters) - U.S. tech giant Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab announced on Wednesday plans to invest 5 billion euros ($5.80 billion) in Belgium, which the compay said would create a further 300 jobs in the country. Google added the investment would focus on the AI sector and on expanding its data centre campuses in Belgium. Google also announced deals to support the development of new onshore wind farms in Belgium. ($1 = 0.8615 euros) Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Google invests €5 billion in Belgium, expanding AI and cloud network

Google has announced a new €5 billion investment in Belgium to expand its data centres and AI infrastructure, marking one of the largest single technology investments in the country's history and signalling the tech giant's growing involvement in Europe. The investment will fund the expansion of Google's existing site in Saint-Ghislain, in the Wallonia region of Belgium, and support the creation of around 300 jobs. The project is viewed as key to accelerating access to artificial intelligence and cloud services across Europe. "With today's announcement, Google is deepening its roots in Belgium, extending our investments in the country and creating new avenues for AI-driven transformation," said Bikash Koley, vice president for Global Infrastructure at Google. Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever hailed the announcement as a milestone for the country's digital economy and energy transition. "Google's new investment is a powerful sign of trust in Belgium as a hub for digital innovation and sustainable growth. By expanding advanced cloud and AI infrastructure in St. Ghislain, creating skilled jobs, and securing new carbon-free energy, Belgium not only strengthens its economy and energy transition. This project is also of strategic importance, consolidating our role as a leader in Europe's digital future," he said. The new facilities will run on carbon-free energy and link into Belgium's renewable grid, in line with both national and EU 2030 climate goals. The investment has been particularly welcomed in Wallonia, where Google first established its Belgian data centre campus in 2009. "The €5 billion investment announced by Google in Saint-Ghislain confirms Wallonia's central role as a European hub for data processing and storage," said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, vice-president of the Government of Wallonia. "It creates jobs in the digital sector, stimulates innovation and economic activity around the site, improves local infrastructure, and strengthens the development of artificial-intelligence skills. This investment also contributes to strengthening our region's digital sovereignty and is therefore fully in line with the priorities of our next digital strategy." Local officials echoed the optimism. "This development makes us a dynamic innovative ecosystem, creating opportunities for other businesses too. And we should be proud, as local representatives, to do everything we can, hand in hand with inter-city development agency IDEA, to help them integrate in the best possible way," said Florence Monier, mayor of St. Ghislain. Defence and foreign trade minister Theo Francken said closer cooperation with global tech firms must be balanced by strong safeguards for national interests. "Belgium values the exchange with global tech leaders like Google. Strengthening our cyber and data capabilities requires open dialogue, while firmly safeguarding our sovereignty and security," he said. The project will further strengthen Google's collaboration with Belgian telecoms operator Proximus, which is developing sovereign cloud services with the US firm. "We welcome Google's decision to further invest in Belgium, reinforcing the region's role as a key driver of digital innovation in Europe and further strengthening our partnership," said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus.