SoftBank Group announced plans to invest 45 billion euros ($53 billion) over the next five years to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in France, as part of a broader 75-billion-euro ($87 billion) program aimed at rolling out 5 GW of AI data center capacity in the country [1]. The initial phase will focus on constructing 3.1 GW of AI data centers in the northern Hauts-de-France region by 2031, with specific sites in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain [1]. The investment, described by SoftBank as its largest AI infrastructure commitment in Europe, is intended to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence by expanding access to high-performance compute capacity in France [1].
The formal announcement of these plans is scheduled for Monday. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized the strategic importance of AI infrastructure, stating, "AI is entering a new era, and the countries that build the infrastructure for this transformation will shape the future of technology, industry and society" [1]. Son highlighted France's industrial capabilities, talent base, and national ambition as key factors positioning the country to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe [1].
As part of the initiative, SoftBank will partner with French engineering company Schneider Electric to develop a large-scale industrial production cluster in Dunkirk [1]. The company's shares have surged more than 70% in 2026 to date, driven by expectations that its AI infrastructure investments will yield significant returns [1]. SoftBank's performance is closely linked to the AI boom, with major stakes in Arm Holdings—whose chip designs are used in AI servers and data centers powered by Nvidia systems—and OpenAI, into which SoftBank has invested over $30 billion, generating $45 billion in gains in the year ended March [1].
Europe faces challenges in the AI race due to high energy costs, which have become a significant obstacle as the region seeks to compete with the U.S. and China [1]. The continent is attempting to overcome these hurdles by increasing compute capacity and building critical infrastructure, but surging energy prices—exacerbated by the U.S.-Iran war—make data center investments particularly sensitive to location [1]. Experts note that data center projects are likely to migrate to areas with lower power costs, potentially creating disparities across Europe [1].
CONCLUSION
SoftBank's €75 billion investment marks a major commitment to AI infrastructure in France, positioning the country as a potential European leader in the sector. The move has already boosted SoftBank's share price and underscores the strategic importance of AI infrastructure amid global competition and regional energy challenges. Market participants are likely to view this as a significant step in Europe's efforts to catch up with the U.S. and China in the AI race.