Major Investment Accelerates AI and Cloud Innovation
Google commits €5 billion to boost Belgium’s AI and data infrastructure, its largest project in the country to date. The initiative will create 300 skilled jobs and increase data capacity across Wallonia. This move ranks among Belgium’s biggest-ever tech investments and highlights Google’s expanding footprint in Europe.
The company enhances its Saint-Ghislain data hub to improve access to AI and cloud services throughout Europe. “With today’s announcement, Google strengthens its roots in Belgium, broadens its investments, and drives forward AI-led innovation,” said Bikash Koley, Vice President for Global Infrastructure at Google.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the development as a milestone for Belgium’s digital transformation. “Google’s investment proves Belgium’s strength as a centre for digital innovation and sustainable progress,” he said. “By expanding AI infrastructure, creating jobs, and supporting carbon-free energy, this project reinforces Belgium’s role in shaping Europe’s digital future.”
The facilities will run entirely on renewable energy and connect to Belgium’s green grid, supporting both national and EU 2030 climate targets.
Wallonia Rises as a European Digital Leader
Wallonia celebrates the expansion as a defining moment in its technological evolution. Google opened its first Belgian data centre in Saint-Ghislain in 2009 and now solidifies the region’s status as a European digital hub.
“The €5 billion investment confirms Wallonia’s vital position in Europe’s data ecosystem,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It generates high-tech jobs, stimulates innovation, upgrades infrastructure, and strengthens AI expertise. It also boosts our region’s digital sovereignty and aligns with our new digital strategy.”
Local leaders voiced strong support. “This initiative energizes our local ecosystem and creates opportunities for businesses. We’ll continue cooperating with development agency IDEA to integrate this project successfully,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Partnership Strengthens Security and Sovereign Infrastructure
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken underlined the importance of protecting national interests while engaging with global tech firms. “Belgium values collaboration with technology leaders like Google,” he said. “We must build our cyber and data resilience while ensuring sovereignty and security remain priorities.”
The project deepens Google’s partnership with Proximus, Belgium’s national telecom operator, which develops sovereign cloud services in cooperation with the company. “We welcome Google’s renewed commitment to Belgium,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “This investment strengthens our region’s role in Europe’s digital growth and enhances our strategic partnership.”
With this expansion, Google positions Belgium at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable digital transformation, making Wallonia a cornerstone of the continent’s carbon-free technological future.
