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

Protesters broke into a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam on Friday, with some climbing a crane and setting off flares while others clashed with police

Protest group Geef Tegengas said protesters were occupying the site to stop construction

Pro-Palestinian activists also joined the Amsterdam demonstrations

Microsoft said it understands people feel strongly but does not condone unlawful actions or actions that put safety at risk

Oct. 10: Over 1,000 people and about 40 local committees gathered in Milan's Piazza della Scala for Italy's first national demonstration against data centers · Friday: Protesters broke into the Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam, climbing a crane and clashing with police · Friday: A dozen protesters gathered in front of a data center outside Berlin, Germany · By late afternoon Friday: Police began escorting activists off the Amsterdam construction site, though some remained · Nov. 6-7: 'Stop Dirty Data Centres' events held in 15 European countries

15 European countries · 1,000+ protesters in Milan · 40 local committees · $5.6 trillion projected Europe data center capex · $15.1 trillion projected U.S. data center capex