More than 100 protesters breached the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam on Friday, scaling cranes, lighting flares and hanging banners before police cleared the area.

The incident occurred at the Plimsollweg site in the city's western port district, where developer Pure Data Centres is building a facility with Microsoft as the sole tenant. Activists from the Dutch group Geef Tegengas cut through fences and occupied parts of the unfinished structures. Estimates of those who entered the site ranged from about 100 to several hundred, according to multiple reports.

Police responded with force after protesters clashed with officers. One officer suffered minor injuries. Dutch authorities later estimated that between 150 and 200 people were arrested for trespassing. Protesters alleged that officers used pepper spray and batons, while police stated they attempted to prevent the occupation but force became necessary.

The action coincided with a weekend of coordinated protests across Europe under the banner of opposition to large-scale data centers. Organizers cited concerns over energy and water consumption, as well as Microsoft's contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Israeli military. Banners at the site included messages protesting AI development and accusing the company of supporting surveillance and conflict.

This marks the latest in a series of actions targeting the same location. The group previously disrupted the site in June, and Extinction Rebellion activists threw acid- and paint-filled balloons over the fence in July. The project has continued despite Amsterdam's 2025 restrictions on new data centers, as it predates the rules and falls below certain size thresholds.

Microsoft said it was aware of the demonstration and respects the right to peaceful protest but does not condone unlawful actions. Pure Data Centres urged those on site to leave safely and offered to engage in dialogue with stakeholders. The company has committed more than $1 billion to the project.

The protests reflect growing resistance in Europe to the infrastructure required for advanced computing, even as demand for such facilities continues to rise.