Microsoft strengthens its cloud offering in Belgium with new Azure ExpressRoute node in Brussels

Microsoft continues to expand its cloud presence in Belgium with the planned opening of the Azure Belgium Central region in autumn 2025. In preparation of this strategic launch, an Azure ExpressRoute interconnection point is now available in Brussels, in partnership with Digital Realty.

This dedicated connection will enable Belgian enterprises, government institutions and ICT service providers to access Azure services locally via a private, highly secure and low-latency connection. This represents an important step in supporting high-performance hybrid architectures while addressing growing demands around compliance, data sovereignty and performance.

Digital Realty operates three data centres in Brussels, including BRU4, which opened in 2024. Thanks to this new interconnection, the Belgian capital will be included in a global network of 15 Azure ExpressRoute locations, alongside cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and São Paulo. The ServiceFabric™ platform also enables virtual connection to all Azure regions.

This partnership is within Microsoft’s Digital AmBEtion initiative, which aims to accelerate Belgium’s digital transformation by providing a world-class cloud infrastructure. By bringing the cloud closer to its customers, Microsoft enables local organisations – businesses, governments and institutions – to benefit from a high-performance, secure and compliant cloud landscape that meets European requirements.

Accelerating responsible innovation thanks to AI

Infrastructure aside, this new move is in line with Microsoft’s commitment to support responsible and high-performance adoption of artificial intelligence. AI is already transforming crucial sectors such as healthcare, education and industry today. To realise its full potential, a powerful, secure and locally available cloud infrastructure is essential. This is exactly what the local availability of Azure in Brussels enables: Enabling Belgian organisations to develop, test and deploy AI solutions with maximum performance and control over their data.

Train 600,000 Belgians in AI skills by 2028

Digital transformation also requires digital skills. As part of Digital AmBEtion, Microsoft launched the AI National Skilling Initiative (AINSI) with the ambition to train 600,000 people in Belgium in essential AI skills by 2028. In collaboration with BeCode, Howest, the MIC and government agencies, Microsoft aims to make these skills accessible to everyone: students, professionals, jobseekers and civil servants.

The combination of a high-performance local infrastructure and a broad training programme reflects Microsoft’s commitment to make cloud and AI levers for inclusion and competitiveness in Belgium. To concretely illustrate the benefits of the cloud for businesses, watch the video ‘Where is the Cloud’ with Ron Pooters, Business Strategy Manager at Microsoft Belux, which highlights the collaboration between Microsoft and Youston – one of the leading providers of archiving and storage solutions in Belgium.