SoftBank Group is preparing to invest approximately €75 billion in French AI infrastructure, according to Bloomberg. The plan centers on building data centers with a combined capacity of 5 GW. The first phase, worth €45 billion, aims to deliver a 3.1 GW AI computing cluster in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031 – a move that would instantly position the country as a continental heavyweight in next-generation digital infrastructure.

The commitment was largely catalyzed by a personal exchange between founder Masayoshi Son and President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Japan earlier this year. Macron reportedly asked for €100 billion, and Son began “seriously examining the matter.” Son later told La Tribune: “I was deeply impressed by how personally engaged Macron is in securing France’s economic success, even though our investments have so far been concentrated mainly in the U.S., Japan, and Asia.”

Initial sites include Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with further locations planned nationwide as SoftBank seeks to reinforce France’s role as Europe’s premier hub for next-generation digital infrastructure. Schneider Electric has already signaled its readiness to partner on the Dunkirk facility, aiming to create a center for AI infrastructure and robotics manufacturing. Macron is expected to formally announce the investment at the Choose France summit.