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Activists occupy Microsoft data centre construction site in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands · Nov 6, 2026

Is it still on?

NOIt was a one-day action on Nov 6.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Activists oppose the construction of a large Microsoft data centre, citing high energy and water consumption and potential impacts on housing.
What they want
An immediate and permanent halt to the construction of the data centre.
What changed
Nov 6: Police detained between 150 and 200 protesters for trespassing after clearing the construction site.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Halt construction of the Microsoft data centre
  • Moratorium on large-scale data centre developments

Organised by: Geef Tegengas, Fossielvrij Nederland

What authorities say

Police used force and teargas to clear the site after protesters refused to surrender tools. Microsoft stated it respects the right to express views peacefully but does not condone unlawful actions that put safety at risk.678

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Crowd
100s
A spokesperson for Geef Tegengas stated about 500 people entered the site, with hundreds more outside.13
Arrests / detentions
200
Dutch police reported that 150 to 200 people were detained for trespassing.78
Injuries
1
Police reported one officer was slightly injured.6

The full story

On November 6, 2026, protesters entered the construction site of a Microsoft data centre in the Sloterdijk area of Amsterdam. Organised by the group Geef Tegengas, the action involved activists breaking through fences and climbing a construction crane to protest the facility's environmental impact and its alleged links to military surveillance. Pro-Palestinian activists also participated, linking the project to broader geopolitical concerns. While the police initially blocked the march and the mayor banned the gathering, protesters gained access to the site. Riot police were deployed to clear the area, resulting in confrontations and the detention of 150 to 200 individuals. The protest was part of a broader European series of actions against data centre expansion. Microsoft stated it respects the right to protest but does not condone unlawful actions.

Timeline

  1. Riot police cleared the site and detained 150 to 200 individuals.78

  2. Activists breached the construction site, climbed a crane, and displayed banners.146

  3. Protesters marched toward the site, were blocked by police, and the mayor issued a ban on the demonstration.13

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

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