Thousands have hit the streets across the bloc to demand a halt to energy-hungry AI infrastructure projects

A wave of protests against energy-guzzling and water-intensive AI data centers has swept across the EU, with thousands demanding a halt to new projects over their environmental impact.

Brussels is pushing to at least triple the bloc’s data center capacity within five to seven years. First announced in April 2025, the target was reinforced this June with proposed legislation to fast-track construction by easing permits and access to land, energy, and water.

The two-day campaign, organized by the Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, brought together more than 100 groups demanding a moratorium on large-scale projects. Activists warn that the facilities could compete with homes and businesses for electricity and water, drive up energy bills, and strain infrastructure.…