[Protests Against Data Center Expansion Continue Across Europe, Demands Halt to Construction] BlockBeats reports on November 8th, citing Bloomberg, that demonstrations against data center expansion continued across Europe on November 7th. RTE reports approximately 2,000 people marched in Dublin; YLE reports about 1,300 people rallied in Helsinki, and protests also occurred in several small towns in Finland. Demonstrators in Helsinki marched to Google's offices and the parliament building. The Stop Dirty Data Centres coalition, comprised of local democracy and climate action groups, stated that its action aims to stop the unchecked expansion of AI data centers. Groups from Scotland, Spain, France, and Denmark are participating in the action, calling for a halt to construction until the public, through democratic processes, determines how these projects should serve society and the environment. Earlier on Friday, hundreds of protesters clashed with police at a Microsoft data center in Amsterdam, resulting in one arrest. As tech companies invest hundreds of billions of dollars in AI infrastructure, concerns among community residents are growing regarding land and electricity demand, rising energy costs, and the potential economic benefits for the local area. Ireland has become one of Europe's major data center hubs. Official statistics show that data centers will account for 23% of the country's total metered electricity consumption in 2025. Finland is also facing massive construction. In September, Google announced a €13 billion (approximately $14.5 billion) investment in Finland to expand existing data centers and build two new facilities, its largest European investment to date. According to the Federation of Finnish Industries, data center projects in Finland at various stages of planning and construction are worth approximately €80 billion. Reports indicate that Google representatives cleared forest land, stripped topsoil, and built roads before the environmental impact assessment for one project was completed, sparking discontent among local residents. The company responsible for the project is facing a criminal investigation, and the Finnish government is pushing forward legislation to restrict the expansion of AI. The opposition in Europe echoes recent developments in the United States. Data center expansion has become a key issue in this week's US midterm elections, with voters in some states electing local officials who pledged to halt or suspend related construction.