Google Ordered to Halt Finnish Data Centre Construction After Mass Forest Clearance

Technology & Environment | 24 October 2026

Google has been ordered to suspend construction preparations at two Finnish data centre sites following extensive forest clearance carried out without completing the required environmental impact assessments.

An estimated 400,000 trees have reportedly been felled at sites in Muhos and Kajaani, raising concerns about habitat destruction, disrupted drainage and damage to local ecosystems.

Under Finland's Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure Act (252/2017), qualifying developments must undergo environmental assessment before proceeding with activities subject to those requirements. Finnish authorities determined that Google's preparatory work could not continue without the necessary procedures being completed.

Google maintains that it believed its activities complied with Finnish law and has pledged to cooperate with regulators. The company has also announced plans for replanting.

The controversy raises serious questions about whether Europe's rapidly expanding AI infrastructure is being developed at the expense of environmental protection, and whether multinational technology companies are being held to the same legal standards as everyone else.