Protesters break into Microsoft data center site in Amsterdam as European rallies spread

Associated Press · Mike Corder, Suman Naishadham · 2026-11-06 15:56 UTC

Protesters have broken into a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam. Some climbed a crane and set off flares while others clashed with police. The protest group, Geef Tegengas, aims to stop the construction, citing social and environmental concerns. Demonstrations are expected in several European countries on Friday and Saturday, demanding a halt to large-scale data center developments. Microsoft acknowledges the protest but condemns unlawful actions. Pro-Palestinian activists also joined the demonstrations. The protests come amid growing resistance to data centers worldwide due to their environmental impact.

Protesters break into Microsoft data center site in Amsterdam as Europe’s backlash spreads

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Protesters broke into a construction site for a new Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, with some climbing a crane and setting off flares while others clashed with police.

Nathan Timmer of the protest group Geef Tegengas, a phrase that translates as Push Back, told local broadcaster AT5 that protesters were occupying the site in an effort to stop construction.

Read the full story at Associated Press · All coverage of this story