Major Expansion Fuels AI and Cloud Development
Google commits €5 billion to expand its data and AI infrastructure in Belgium. The investment becomes its largest Belgian project, creating 300 jobs and enhancing Wallonia’s data capacity. This marks one of Belgium’s most significant tech investments and signals Google’s expanding European presence.
The company enlarges its Saint-Ghislain site in Wallonia to speed up access to AI and cloud computing across Europe. “With this announcement, Google deepens its presence in Belgium, extends investments, and opens new pathways for AI transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever called the announcement a defining moment for Belgium’s digital and environmental future. “Google’s investment demonstrates trust in Belgium as a center for digital innovation and sustainability,” he said. “By building advanced AI and cloud infrastructure, creating skilled jobs, and relying on carbon-free energy, Belgium strengthens its economic and environmental leadership.”
The facilities will operate using 100% carbon-free energy from Belgium’s renewable grid, aligning with EU and national 2030 climate goals.
Wallonia Positioned at the Heart of Europe’s Tech Growth
Wallonia welcomes Google’s continued confidence in the region, which first hosted the company’s Belgian data centre in 2009. Now, it stands at the centre of Europe’s digital transformation.
“The €5 billion investment secures Wallonia’s status as a major European hub for data processing and storage,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It creates digital jobs, drives innovation, improves infrastructure, and strengthens our AI expertise. This project also enhances regional digital sovereignty and aligns with our next digital strategy.”
Local representatives praised the collaboration. “This project energizes our innovation ecosystem and supports other local businesses,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain. “We’re proud to work hand in hand with inter-city agency IDEA to ensure full integration.”
Balancing Innovation with National Security
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken highlighted the importance of responsible cooperation. “Belgium values open partnerships with global technology firms like Google,” he said. “We enhance our digital strength through collaboration while safeguarding national security and sovereignty.”
Google’s initiative also deepens its partnership with Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecom provider. Together they are developing sovereign cloud solutions designed to protect European data. “We welcome Google’s decision to expand its investment in Belgium,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “It strengthens Belgium’s role as a key hub for innovation and deepens our strategic alliance.”
With this initiative, Google reinforces Belgium’s status as a cornerstone of sustainable digital progress — placing Wallonia at the forefront of Europe’s AI-powered, carbon-free future.
