Protesters enter a Microsoft data center site in Amsterdam during a European campaign against AI infrastructure

Microsoft started planning its Amsterdam data center complex in 2016. This planning occurred before the city implemented a municipal ban on new data center construction. The site became a focal point for environmental and social activists. These groups target the physical infrastructure that supports cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This opposition reflects a broader European movement concerned with the environmental impact of these facilities. Protests against the construction site and its perimeter have increased over time.

Activists targeted the construction site in July 2026. During that month, members of Extinction Rebellion threw paint and an acidic mixture over the perimeter fences. This pattern of activity continued until a breach on November 6, 2026. That event marked a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations. Police cleared the site on November 6, 2026, following an order from the mayor. Officers detained between 150 and 200 individuals during the operation.

1. The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition demands a construction pause to address electricity, water, and environmental concerns. The protest was part of a two-day series of demonstrations held across 16 countries.

2. On November 6, 2026, approximately 100 protesters broke into a Microsoft data centre construction site in Amsterdam's Sloterdijk district.

   The collective Geef Tegengas and the group Fossielvrij NL organized the action.

3. Pure Data Centres is building a data center in Amsterdam for Microsoft. The project costs over $1 billion. The site includes three towers. Each tower stands 85 meters tall. Local campaigners oppose the development. They argue that the facility strains electricity and water supplies. They also claim the project competes with housing for resources and threatens local climate goals.

1. This event was part of a two-day series of demonstrations across 16 countries. Microsoft issued a statement regarding the incident. The company said that it respects the right to peaceful protest but does not condone unlawful actions.

2. Protesters clashed with police at the data center construction site. Demonstrators climbed a construction crane and ignited flares. Participants carried banners reading "Fuck AI" and waved Palestinian flags. The event was part of a broader European movement. Similar demonstrations occurred in Germany and Poland on the same day.