By Bruce Gil
Publication Date: 2026-11-06 19:00:00
The backlash against data centers is intensifying around the world, and some protesters in Europe are taking things to the next level.
More than 100 protesters broke into the construction site of a planned Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday.
Citing a police statement, Bloomberg reports that two groups entered the site by cutting open a gate. At least one person was arrested, and police confiscated items like an angle grinder and climbing equipment.
The facility is being developed by Pure Data Centres Group and will have a planned capacity of 78 megawatts. Microsoft is set to be its sole tenant.
“We understand that people feel strongly about the project, and we respect their right to express those views peacefully,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Gizmodo in an emailed statement. “However, we do not condone any actions that are unlawful or that put people’s safety at risk. The wellbeing of everyone at and around the site, including workers, staff and neighbors is our…
