Expanding Data Power and AI Capacity in Wallonia
Google commits €5 billion to expand its data and AI infrastructure in Belgium. The project becomes the company’s largest national investment, creating 300 jobs and boosting Wallonia’s digital strength. It marks one of the most significant technology commitments in Belgian history, underscoring Google’s growing presence in Europe’s innovation network.
The company enlarges its Saint-Ghislain site in Wallonia to speed up AI and cloud service availability across Europe. “With this investment, Google deepens its roots in Belgium, grows our infrastructure, and unlocks new possibilities for AI-led change,” said Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever called the investment a milestone for the nation’s digital and green ambitions. “Google’s new project shows strong trust in Belgium as a center of sustainable innovation,” he said. “By expanding AI and cloud capacity, creating new jobs, and advancing carbon-free energy, we reinforce our position as a leader in Europe’s digital transformation.”
The new facilities will operate entirely on renewable energy and integrate into Belgium’s national grid, helping meet EU 2030 climate targets.
Wallonia Strengthens Its Status as a Digital Innovation Hub
Wallonia celebrates Google’s decision as a turning point for regional development. The company, which established its first Belgian data center in Saint-Ghislain in 2009, now places the region at the heart of European digital infrastructure.
“The €5 billion investment proves Wallonia’s vital role as a European hub for data processing and storage,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It builds digital employment, encourages innovation, enhances infrastructure, and expands our expertise in artificial intelligence. It also reinforces our digital sovereignty in line with our regional strategy.”
Local leaders expressed strong support. “This project fuels a vibrant innovation ecosystem and opens new business opportunities. We’ll continue collaborating closely with the inter-city agency IDEA to ensure smooth integration,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Security, Cooperation, and Sovereignty in the Digital Age
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken stressed the need for balance between international collaboration and national security. “Belgium values engagement with global tech companies like Google,” he said. “We aim to strengthen our cyber and data systems while protecting sovereignty and security.”
The investment also deepens Google’s partnership with telecom operator Proximus, which develops sovereign cloud solutions with the firm. “We welcome Google’s continued commitment to Belgium,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus. “This reinforces our region’s leadership in digital innovation and strengthens our strategic collaboration.”
With this initiative, Google cements Belgium’s place as a European leader in digital progress, renewable energy, and AI-driven growth — turning Wallonia into a cornerstone of the continent’s sustainable technological future.
