Europe

SoftBank is investing $53 billion in French AI infrastructure, aiming for 5 GW of data center capacity by 2031, starting in Hauts-de-France. This is a major European expansion, reflecting CEO Masayoshi Son’s belief in AI’s transformative potential exceeding the dot-com bubble. The move addresses the soaring demand for data centers driven by AI’s computational needs. Separately, Related Digital is navigating data center development, facing community concerns about resource consumption. Their Stargate Michigan project anticipates immediate cash flow post-completion, utilizing a closed-loop cooling system.

Bouygues CEO Olivier Roussat warns Europe risks its sovereignty by over-relying on US digital infrastructure, especially in AI and satellite communications like Starlink. He stresses the need for European autonomy in these critical sectors, suggesting domestic solutions over dependence on foreign providers. Bouygues’ bid to consolidate the French telecom market reflects this ambition for a stronger European digital ecosystem.

Europe’s AI ambitions are hindered by high energy prices, making data center development costly. This contrasts with the U.S. and China, leading to potential investment shifts. While Central Europe faces challenges, Nordic countries and France, with lower electricity costs and diversified energy, are emerging as AI infrastructure hubs. Addressing energy affordability and infrastructure is crucial for Europe’s technological competitiveness.

Anthropic is actively expanding its European data center presence to power its advanced AI models. The company is hiring a Transaction Principal in London to negotiate data center capacity deals across the continent, targeting key hubs like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. This move follows significant infrastructure commitments with AWS and Broadcom, and reflects a global strategy mirrored by recruitment in Australia. The expansion highlights Europe’s growing importance in AI infrastructure, driven by factors like cost-effective energy in regions like the Nordics.

JD.com has launched its European online shopping platform, Joybuy, in six countries, including the UK and Germany. Leveraging its strong logistics and focus on product quality, Joybuy aims to compete with major players like Amazon. The platform offers same-day delivery for orders placed before 11 a.m. and a competitive subscription service for free delivery, differentiating itself from rivals through its proprietary infrastructure and first-party retail model.

Europe’s first microgrid-connected data center, located near Dublin, addresses power connection delays hindering AI growth. This pioneering facility demonstrates a shift towards privately powered digital infrastructure, mirroring trends in the US. While offering a solution to strain on national grids, challenges remain in regulatory frameworks and ensuring sustainable, reliable power sources for widespread adoption.

SpaceX’s Starlink and Deutsche Telekom are partnering to launch a satellite-based mobile service across ten European countries by 2028. This service will use Starlink’s V2 satellites to deliver broadband, voice, and messaging directly to mobile phones, even in remote or difficult terrains. This collaboration marks a significant step in direct-to-device satellite communication and highlights the increasing integration of space technology with traditional telecommunications.

Tesla Europe plans to integrate xAI’s Grok AI into its vehicles across the U.K. and eight other European markets. This move follows a significant drop in Tesla’s European sales in 2025, attributed to a lack of affordable models and brand image issues. While AI integration is becoming common in the automotive industry, concerns linger regarding Grok’s content safety, potential for driver distraction, and the need for robust regulatory oversight.

Nvidia is significantly increasing its investment in European AI startups, participating in 14 funding rounds last year compared to just one in 2022. This strategic move, including investments in Mistral AI and Nscale, aims to bolster Nvidia’s position within the AI ecosystem. Beyond capital, Nvidia offers technical and supply chain support, fostering innovation and ensuring its hardware remains central to AI development. This global strategy of reinvesting profits into startups is driving Europe’s AI sector growth.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sees AI-powered robotics as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Europe, leveraging its strong industrial base. This “physical AI” could allow Europe to lead beyond the current software era. Major European manufacturers and tech giants are investing heavily in robotics, with significant global investment flowing into the sector. However, Huang stressed that Europe’s high energy costs and the need for robust energy infrastructure are critical challenges that must be addressed to fully capitalize on this AI robotics boom.