About 100 protesters entered the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on November 6, climbing cranes and displaying banners as opposition to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure spread across Europe. The action took place at the start of two days of demonstrations planned by activist groups in 16 countries, according to Reuters.

The site is being developed for Microsoft, with three 85-meter data center towers planned for the location, The Verge reported. The Guardian identified the group that entered the site as Geef Tegengas, a Dutch direct-action organization. It said a separate Stop Dirty Data Centres demonstration took place outside the perimeter fence, with the coalition’s supporters joining a wider European campaign calling for a pause in large-scale data center construction.

Campaigners say the facilities put pressure on electricity and water supplies, compete with local communities and other businesses for resources, and make climate goals harder to meet, concerns that have also surfaced in Amazon’s decision to abandon Virginia data center plans after community opposition and OpenAI’s commitments to pay for its own energy and reduce water use. The Guardian also reported that banners at the Amsterdam site criticized Microsoft’s services to the Israeli military and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Microsoft said it understood that people had strong feelings about the project and respected their right to express those views peacefully, but did not condone unlawful actions. Site owner Pure Data Centres asked protesters to leave safely and offered to discuss their concerns. Police said they tried to prevent the occupation; The Guardian reported that an officer was slightly injured during the protest.

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Reuters reported that the Netherlands has about 200 data centers planned, under construction or already operating.


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