AI data centers fuel protests and sovereignty debate in Europe

Large AI data centers are drawing local protests across Europe while operators argue they strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on US computing. Germany’s economic ministry says cooling uses 0.4 to 4.4 liters of water per kilowatt-hour of electricity. After Europe’s hottest summer on record, with water limits for residents, farms, and even nuclear plants, critics question further expansion as governments push to keep data on the continent.