According to PwC's Global Data Centre Outlook 2026–50, the United States is forecast to attract $15.1 trillion in capital spending on data centres from 2026 through 2050

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The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition organized a two-day series of protests across 15 to 16 European countries on November 6 and 7, 2026, demanding a moratorium on new data centres

Protest groups oppose large-scale data centres because their heavy consumption of electricity and water competes with local communities, housing, and environmental goals

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated on November 5, 2026 that Europe is making investments in chip-making capacity, artificial intelligence startups, and plans to build out gigafactories

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated on November 5, 2026 that while Europe needs data centre capacity for AI, development must protect citizens from skyrocketing energy bills and blackouts

According to PwC's Global Data Centre Outlook 2026–50, Europe is projected to attract $5.6 trillion in cumulative data centre capital expenditure from 2026 through 2050

Geef Tegengas activist Nathan Timmer stated that the Microsoft facility would be used for AI warfare, data surveillance, and committing genocide

A spokesperson for Microsoft stated that the company respects peaceful expressions of view but does not condone unlawful actions or actions putting safety at risk

During the November 6, 2026 break-in at the Microsoft construction site in Amsterdam, protesters climbed a crane, set off flares, and hung banners

A spokesperson for Pure Data Centres requested that protesters leave the live construction site safely and engage in dialogue regarding the development

Protesters at the Microsoft construction site hung banners objecting to Microsoft's provision of technology services to the Israeli military and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Dutch police used force and teargas during clashes at the Microsoft construction site in Amsterdam, resulting in a slight injury to one officer

Dutch police detained between 150 and 200 people suspected of trespassing during the protest at the Microsoft construction site on November 6, 2026

Council on Foreign Relations expert Connor Martin stated that Western sanctions and global chip deficits will impede Russia from replacing damaged Nvidia A100 chips.

Internet Protection Society head Mikhail Klimarev stated that Ukrainian drone strikes on Yandex data centers set Russia far behind in artificial intelligence development.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Yandex facilities damaged supercomputers used for AI development, including Russia's 19th world-ranked supercomputer in Sasovo.

China's exports surged 36% year-on-year in September 2026, buoyed by global demand for artificial intelligence components and high-tech electronics.

The October 16, 2026 draft export proposal includes 23 artificial intelligence technologies covering large models, intelligent agents, chip designs, and computing clusters.

China's export proposal targets AI chip designs utilizing 14-nanometer or advanced packaging techniques, alongside designs for advanced memory chips.

Western nations including the U.S., Japan, and European countries maintain export controls on advanced semiconductors and chipmaking equipment directed toward China.

Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev stated on October 16, 2026, that Russia and the United States are discussing joint projects including nuclear-powered data centers