Alert+

Anti-Data Centre Protests Planned Across Europe

Activists Mobilise Across Europe Ahead of Two Days of Data Centre Protests

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut-off: 10:30 GMT 4 November 2026

On 6 and 7 November, protests against data centres are scheduled to take place across Europe. At least 80 organisations are supporting the protests under the “Stop Dirty Data Centres” campaign, with unrest planned in countries including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, and Austria. The movement describes itself as a citizen-led initiative aiming to pause data centre construction across Europe over environmental, socioeconomic, democracy- and privacy-related concerns.

The dedicated campaign website indicates that protests on 6-7 November will take different forms, including gatherings near university campuses, symbolic demonstrations in city centres, and marches from city centres to nearby data centres.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Given the number of participating organisations, extensive social media mobilisation and confirmed protest announcements, coordinated demonstrations across Europe on 6–7 November are almost certain.

Protests are highly likely to occur near operational and planned data centres, construction sites, government buildings, local authority offices and technology companies associated with data-centre development.

While most protests are likely to remain peaceful, there is a high likelihood of direct action groups joining the unrest. Some activists are likely to try to gain access to data centre perimeters and construction sites, with the aim of damaging equipment. Direct action groups may also target supporting infrastructure and assets, including access roads, nearby power infrastructure, construction equipment, contractor vehicles or any other facilities or resources required for the construction and operation of data centres. There is also a realistic possibility of larger crowds of protesters trying to overwhelm security to gain access to data centres, increasing the likelihood of violent confrontations with security personnel and police.

The planned anti-data centre demonstrations coincide with wider youth-led protests that began in Paris in mid-September and subsequently spread across central, western and southern Europe. Some of these protests have involved clashes with police and incidents of looting, including in Paris, Milan and Frankfurt.

Further demonstrations are scheduled for 6–7 November, including Yellow Vest protests and blockades across France, youth-led actions in Germany, student demonstrations in Italy and smaller protests in the Netherlands. The overlap of the two movements on 6–7 November, particularly in major cities where multiple demonstrations are scheduled, could place additional demands on police resources and increase the risk of reduced police coverage at some data centre protest locations.

Travel and Safety Guidance

Monitor the “Stop Dirty Data Centres” website for the location of planned protests.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities, trusted media sources, and, if available, a security provider for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in secure accommodation.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.