Major Boost for AI, Cloud, and Job Creation
Google invests €5 billion to expand its data and AI infrastructure in Belgium. The project becomes the tech giant’s largest Belgian venture, generating 300 jobs and increasing Wallonia’s data capacity. The investment ranks among the biggest in Belgium’s technology history and shows Google’s expanding European footprint.
The company upgrades its Saint-Ghislain site in Wallonia to enhance access to AI and cloud services across Europe. “With today’s announcement, Google strengthens its commitment to Belgium, expands our footprint, and fuels AI-powered transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever called the project a milestone for Belgium’s digital and energy transition. “Google’s investment reflects confidence in Belgium as a leader in sustainable digital innovation,” he said. “By building advanced AI and cloud infrastructure, creating skilled jobs, and securing clean energy, we reinforce our role at the core of Europe’s digital future.”
The new facilities will run entirely on carbon-free power, integrated with Belgium’s renewable grid and aligned with the EU’s 2030 climate objectives.
Wallonia Strengthens Its Role in Europe’s Tech Landscape
Wallonia welcomes the investment as a defining moment for its growing digital economy. Google, which opened its first Belgian data centre there in 2009, now reinforces the region’s central role in European technology.
“The €5 billion investment confirms Wallonia 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, fosters innovation, improves infrastructure, and strengthens AI expertise. This initiative also enhances our region’s technological sovereignty, matching the goals of our next digital strategy.”
Local officials expressed strong enthusiasm. “This project builds a vibrant innovation ecosystem and opens doors for other enterprises. Together with inter-city agency IDEA, we’ll ensure its successful integration,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Security, Sovereignty, and Strategic Partnerships
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken emphasized the importance of balancing collaboration with national interests. “Belgium values cooperation with global tech leaders like Google,” he said. “We aim to expand our cyber and data resilience while protecting our sovereignty and security.”
The initiative also strengthens Google’s partnership with Proximus, Belgium’s telecom operator, which works with Google to develop sovereign cloud solutions. “We welcome Google’s renewed investment,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “This step reinforces Belgium’s influence in digital innovation and solidifies our strategic collaboration.”
Through this expansion, Google positions Belgium — and particularly Wallonia — as a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable, secure, and data-driven digital transformation.
