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UNITED NATIONS — Finland is looking to capitalize on the global artificial intelligence boom after Google announced plans to invest at least $15.2 billion in digital infrastructure across the Nordic nation over the next two years, marking one of the largest technology investments in the country’s history.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the investment reflects a combination of abundant clean energy, a secure operating environment and an expanding technology sector that has made Finland an increasingly attractive destination for AI infrastructure.
“Companies make their own decisions on where to invest in their data centers, and we’re of course happy that Google has invested,” Stubb told Fox News Digital.
“They do it because we’re able to provide clean energy — 95% of our electricity is clean. It’s because we have a system of security, and we are able to fend [off] any types of cyberattacks and, of course, because we are in a rather cold climate.”
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The investment comes as governments and technology companies pour billions into the data centers needed to support artificial intelligence, with reliable electricity and resilient infrastructure becoming increasingly important in deciding where those facilities are built.
Asked how Finland is adapting as Russia continues to employ cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid activity against neighboring countries, Stubb said security has become another factor companies weigh when choosing where to invest.
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He said Finland has developed an environment where businesses can confidently build critical digital infrastructure while the country continues strengthening its cyber defenses.
Stubb said Google is unlikely to be the last major technology company to expand in Finland.
“Right now we have about 50 data centers. We have 25 more in the pipeline,” he said. “And we expect there to be more because we have a really strong infrastructure when it comes to artificial intelligence.”
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Beyond data centers, Stubb said Finland has built an ecosystem around emerging technologies, citing IQM Quantum Computers, satellite firms ReOrbit and Kuva Space, and telecommunications company Nokia.
“And we have, of course, Nokia,” he said. “Right now when Americans are looking at their phones, it’s very probable that it’s a Nokia network that they’re following.”
Google said its investment will expand digital infrastructure supporting AI and cloud services while creating jobs and strengthening Finland’s role as a technology hub.
Stubb said Finland intends to keep building on that momentum.
“We have the infrastructure,” he said. “The basic message is Finland is open for investment. We’ve got this.”
