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Markdown edition

# Protesters enter Microsoft data centre site in Amsterdam

> Activists entered a construction site as campaigners called for a pause on large data centres across Europe.

By BIGCHANGE.AI Editorial

Published: 2026-11-06T17:17:38.934Z
Updated: 2026-11-06T17:17:38.934Z
Canonical: https://bigchange.ai/blog/amsterdam-microsoft-data-centre-protest

![Conceptual illustration of a data centre construction site](https://bigchange.ai/api/media/file/protest-concept.png)
AI-generated illustration for BIG CHANGE

Pro-Palestinian activists entered a planned Microsoft data-centre construction site in Amsterdam on November 6, separate from a nearby demonstration against data-centre expansion.

Dutch broadcaster [NOS reported from the scene](https://nos.nl/artikel/2638275-activisten-breken-door-de-hekken-van-terrein-datacenter-microsoft-in-amsterdam) that activists broke through fencing before a separate demonstration by Fossielvrij NL was due to begin nearby. Some climbed a crane and the roof of the building under construction, and protesters clashed with police, NOS reported.

## The big change

- The group entering the site raised concerns about Microsoft and Gaza; a separate Fossielvrij gathering opposed data-centre expansion.
- Campaigners link construction to AI demand and raise concerns about energy, water and public decision-making. Site-specific effects remain unproven.
- Microsoft said it respected peaceful expression but opposed unlawful or unsafe actions. The site owner called for those on the site to leave safely and engage in dialogue.

## What happened in Sloterdijk

NOS identified the entrants as pro-Palestinian activists, including members of Geef Tegengas. One protester told NOS that the Israeli military was a Microsoft customer, linking the company to the Gaza war. This allegation does not establish a use of the Amsterdam site.

By late afternoon, police were escorting activists off the site while some remained, [The Associated Press reported](https://apnews.com/article/b4f3f9f368697bb37416bcb4fabdd67c). That is a time-specific account, not confirmation that the site was fully cleared or that construction had ended.

Reuters [reported](https://live.euronext.com/en/financial-news/activists-breach-microsoft-data-centre-construction-site-protests-spread-europe) that site owner Pure Data Centres asked people on the site to leave safely and discuss concerns with it. Microsoft said it understood the strength of feeling and respected peaceful protest, while opposing actions it considered unlawful or dangerous. Those statements do not resolve the campaigners' objections to the project.

## Why data centres are contested

The [Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition](https://stopdirtydatacentres.eu/en/) called for action on November 6 and 7 and a European moratorium. Organisers cite pressure on electricity, water, land and climate goals and want communities involved in construction decisions.

These campaign positions do not establish the Amsterdam project's electricity or water use, local effects or workloads. Data centres support many digital services; the available reporting does not establish a site-specific AI workload.

A proposed moratorium would be a policy change; the campaign has not established that authorities imposed one or cancelled this development.

## Sources

- [NOS: Protest at Amsterdam construction site](https://nos.nl/artikel/2638275-activisten-breken-door-de-hekken-van-terrein-datacenter-microsoft-in-amsterdam) — On-scene reporting, earlier account.
- [Associated Press: Amsterdam protest](https://apnews.com/article/b4f3f9f368697bb37416bcb4fabdd67c) — Later police response and Microsoft statement; indexed reporting.
- [Reuters: Site owner and protest](https://live.euronext.com/en/financial-news/activists-breach-microsoft-data-centre-construction-site-protests-spread-europe) — Independent reporting and company statements.
- [Stop Dirty Data Centres: Days of action](https://stopdirtydatacentres.eu/en/) — Organisers' stated demands and planned events.