France is in a perfect position to become the leading center of AI infrastructure in Europe, says Masayoshi Son, the Softbank CEO.
SoftBank Group announced recently that it intends to make investments of as much as €75bn to setup 5GW AI data centers in France.
As part of phase one of the project, €45 billion will create 3.1 GW of AI data centre capability at an array of locations throughout northern France, which will include Dunkirk, Bosquel as well as Bouchain.
These new locations will be operational starting in 2031, with other places to be disclosed at a later time.
It is well to be noted that SoftBank Group will partner with EDF, the French national energy company, and digital automation specialist company Schneider Electric all through the project.
According to Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, “SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. “With its industrial capabilities, talent base, and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
The French government welcomed the decision, additionally emphasizing the favorable conditions for setting up 5GW AI data centers in France.
The Minister of Economy, Finance & Industrial, Energy & Digital Sovereignty, Roland Lescure, said that “SoftBank’s decision to invest massively in AI datacenters in France – a first for the group in Europe – is testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain. It reflects our country’s substantial assets: fast access to the most reliable electrical grid in Europe, a strong digital and industrial ecosystem with a skilled workforce, and a government that works in unison with local authorities and stakeholders to fast-track procedures for strategic projects.”
France has quickly grown into the European frontrunner when it comes to AI data centres, with large tech and telco consortium AION announcing plans to develop an AI gigafactory in the nation as recently as May 2026.
For SoftBank, however, this declaration serves as an extension to its Stargate Project, which promises to develop $500 billion worth of AI infrastructure in collaboration with OpenAI across the next four years.
SoftBank continues to grow its AI capacity and go further into the AI value chain. In May 2026, the company said it planned to develop its own batteries so as to power its very own artificial intelligence data centres – AI data centres and proposed that these batteries may ultimately be sold to other companies.