Google has announced a €5 billion investment in Belgium to expand its data centre operations and AI infrastructure, according to a report by Una Hajdari for Euronews. The initiative ranks among the largest technology investments ever made in the country and underscores the company’s growing focus on Europe.
The funding will be used to enlarge Google’s existing site in Saint-Ghislain, in Belgium’s Wallonia region, with the project expected to create around 300 jobs. The expansion is positioned as a key step in broadening access to AI and cloud services across Europe.
Bikash Koley, Google’s vice president for Global Infrastructure, said the new facilities reinforce the company’s presence in Belgium and “open new possibilities for AI-driven progress.”
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the move, calling it a milestone for the country’s digital economy and its transition to clean energy. He noted that by linking the project to carbon-free power and the national renewable grid, Belgium can strengthen both its economy and its leadership role in Europe’s digital transformation.
Pierre-Yves Jeholet, vice-president of the Government of Wallonia, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the investment consolidates the region’s role as a European hub for data and AI, while creating skilled jobs and advancing Wallonia’s digital strategy.
Local officials, including Florence Monier, mayor of Saint-Ghislain, highlighted the benefits for the regional ecosystem, from job creation to infrastructure upgrades. She stressed the importance of close cooperation between Google, the municipality, and local development agencies.
Defence and foreign trade minister Theo Francken added that Belgium values collaboration with major tech firms but emphasized the need to safeguard national sovereignty, cybersecurity, and data control.
The project will also expand Google’s partnership with Belgian telecom operator Proximus, which is working with the U.S. company on sovereign cloud services. Proximus CEO Fabrice De Windt said the investment further strengthens both Belgium’s role in European digital innovation and the companies’ partnership.
