Quick Answer
- Finland’s Supervisory Agency LVV ordered a Google-linked company, Tuike Finland, to stop work at data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani.
- The reason: land was cleared without the required environmental impact assessments (EIA).
- Google must reply by October 14, 2026 and stop work by October 23, 2026 at the latest.
- Reports say about 330 hectares were cleared at Muhos and about 200 hectares at Kajaani.
- Google said it “fell short of our own high standards.” It had announced a €13 billion (about $15 billion) Finland investment in September.
What happened?
Finland’s regulator, LVV, ordered work stopped at two planned Google data center sites until mandatory environmental assessments are finished. The order was reported on October 6, 2026. It was directed at Tuike Finland, the company representing Google on the projects.
LVV is checking whether hundreds of hectares of forest were cleared in Muhos and Kajaani without a required assessment. The chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservancy reported over 300 hectares of cleared area at Muhos, including nature sites that should have been protected.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2026 | Tuike must send its explanation and plan |
| October 23, 2026 | Latest date to suspend land-altering work |
| End of 2026 | Environmental assessment reports are due, per one report |
If the company does not comply, LVV may start enforcement action.
What did Google say?
Google spokesman Sondre Ronander said Google “fell short of our own high standards” in this case. He said the company will study LVV’s findings, follow its guidance and that it “acted in good faith.” Google also said it is moving ahead with landscaping and biodiversity plans, including tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.
How big is Google’s Finland plan?
In September, Google announced a €13 billion investment in Finnish digital infrastructure for its AI plans over the next two years. The projects are in Muhos, Vaala, Kajaani and Hamina. Google calls it its single biggest investment in Europe.
Finland’s Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala said the projects will likely be delayed.
Why does this matter?
AI needs huge amounts of power and land. Google is also making large energy deals elsewhere, such as its 20-year nuclear agreement with Constellation Energy. The Finland case shows that building fast can run into local rules.
FAQs
Why did Finland stop Google’s data center work?
Land was cleared at two sites without completed environmental impact assessments.
Which sites are affected?
Muhos and Kajaani in Finland.
When must Google stop work?
Immediately, and no later than October 23, 2026. A reply is due by October 14.
How much land was cleared?
Reports say about 330 hectares at Muhos and about 200 hectares at Kajaani. LVV is still investigating.
What did Google say?
That it “fell short of our own high standards” and will follow LVV’s guidance.
Will the data centers be cancelled?
No cancellation has been reported. The minister expects delays.
