Tech Giant Accelerates Growth in Wallonia
Google invests €5 billion to expand its Belgian data and AI infrastructure. The company launches its largest national project, adding 300 jobs and boosting Wallonia’s data capacity. The move ranks among Belgium’s most significant technology investments and reflects Google’s growing commitment to Europe.
Google expands its Saint-Ghislain campus to accelerate access to AI and cloud technology across the continent. “With today’s announcement, Google deepens its presence in Belgium, extends investment, and opens new paths for AI-driven transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Vice President for Global Infrastructure at Google.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the announcement as a landmark in Belgium’s digital and energy transition. “Google’s investment shows trust in Belgium as a hub for digital innovation and sustainable growth. By building advanced AI and cloud infrastructure, creating skilled employment, and securing carbon-free energy, Belgium strengthens both its economy and its role in Europe’s digital leadership,” he said.
The new facilities will rely solely on carbon-free energy, connecting directly to Belgium’s renewable grid to meet national and EU 2030 climate targets.
Wallonia Rises as a Digital Powerhouse
Wallonia celebrates its strengthened position in Europe’s data economy. Google, which opened its first Belgian data centre there in 2009, now anchors its largest regional expansion in Saint-Ghislain.
“The €5 billion investment confirms Wallonia’s key role as a European hub for data processing and storage,” said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Government of Wallonia. “It creates digital employment, boosts innovation, upgrades infrastructure, and advances AI expertise. This investment supports our region’s digital sovereignty and fits perfectly within our next digital strategy.”
Local leaders echoed the enthusiasm. “This development transforms us into a vibrant innovation ecosystem and attracts new businesses. As local representatives, we will continue working closely with IDEA to integrate the project effectively,” said Florence Monier, Mayor of Saint-Ghislain.
Belgium Balances Innovation with National Security
Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken emphasized the importance of balancing progress with protection. “Belgium values cooperation with major tech firms like Google,” he said. “We build cyber and data strength through open dialogue, while maintaining firm safeguards for sovereignty and national security.”
The project also expands Google’s collaboration with Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecom operator. Together, they develop sovereign cloud solutions designed to protect local data integrity. “We welcome Google’s new investment, which reinforces Belgium’s role as a European innovation hub and strengthens our partnership,” said Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus.
Google’s new Belgian expansion combines economic growth, environmental responsibility, and digital sovereignty — anchoring Wallonia at the heart of Europe’s transition to a sustainable, carbon-free digital era.
