SoftBank plans 75 billion euros of AI investments in France
The logo of Japanese company SoftBank Group at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo on Nov. 21, 2025.
Kazuhiro Nogi | AFP | Getty Images
Japan’s SoftBank Group has announced a plan to invest 45 billion euros ($53 billion) in the next five years to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in France. This initiative is part of a larger 75-billion-euro program aimed at deploying 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France.
SoftBank’s initial phase involves constructing 3.1 GW of AI data centers in the northern Hauts-de-France region by 2031, including locations in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain.
In a statement, SoftBank stated that this commitment represents its most significant AI infrastructure investments in Europe and is intended to facilitate the growth of artificial intelligence by expanding access to high-performance compute capacity in France.
The official announcement of the investment plans is scheduled for Monday.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized the 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.”
SoftBank also revealed a partnership with French engineering company Schneider Electric to establish a large-scale industrial production cluster in Dunkirk as part of the development.
SoftBank’s stock has experienced significant growth in 2026, attributed to expectations of substantial returns from its investments in AI infrastructure.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attend an event to pitch AI for businesses in Tokyo, Japan on Feb. 3, 2025.
Kim Kyung-Hoon | Reuters
SoftBank’s investments in AI are closely linked to its stake in Arm Holdings and its involvement with OpenAI, contributing to its role in the AI industry.
The high energy costs in Europe have posed challenges in establishing the region as a global AI powerhouse, with the U.S. and China dominating the AI landscape.
To overcome these obstacles, Europe is focusing on increasing compute capacity and enhancing infrastructure for AI technology. However, energy costs remain a critical factor, especially with surging prices amidst geopolitical tensions.
Experts suggest that data center projects may shift to regions with lower energy expenses, leading to disparities in investment outcomes across Europe.
– CNBC’s George Bextor contributed to this story.
