Data centers and AI dominate the news in the Netherlands and beyond. Amongst the talk, widely shared concerns about data centers come to surface spoken by citizens, entrepreneurs, scientists and social organizations.

Meawhile, demonstrations all across Europe on the November 6th and 7th are calling for a halt to the development of large-scale data centers. The message is clear: we cannot cope with this level of growth. Meanwhile, the European Union is still pursuing its ambition to triple data center capacity across Europe.

It is time for a plan!

Both the Netherlands and Europe currently lack a forward-looking, realistic vision for how our digital economy and society should take shape. Despite the various problems caused by this sector, policymakers have thus far failed to chart a clear course for the Netherlands.

That is why Leitmotiv and other civil society organizations are sending a letter of concern to the Dutch cabinet, government and political parties where we express serious doubts as to whether the Netherlands can sustain such growth – or, indeed, whether such growth is even necessary.

But, we are also pointing to a crucial need for a new plan.

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