Amazon has officially announced one of its largest European expansion plans ever, unveiling a massive investment of more than €15 billion in France over the next three years. The investment, scheduled between 2026 and 2028, is expected to create more than 7,000 permanent jobs while significantly expanding Amazon’s logistics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and sustainability operations across the country.
The announcement marks Amazon’s biggest financial commitment in France in more than 25 years and highlights the company’s growing confidence in the French economy, AI innovation ecosystem, and long-term e-commerce demand.
Amazon’s Largest Investment in France
According to Amazon, the €15 billion investment will support several major areas of expansion, including:
- Construction of new fulfillment and distribution centers
- Expansion of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure
- Development of AI technologies and data capabilities
- Enhancement of delivery speed and logistics efficiency
- Sustainability and low-carbon transportation initiatives
The company confirmed that the investment includes both infrastructure spending and operational expenses.
Jean-Baptiste Thomas, Amazon’s Country Manager in France, described the move as a long-term commitment to France’s economic and technological future. He stated that the expansion would help Amazon deliver faster shipping, broader product selection, and lower prices while also reducing environmental impact through a proximity-based logistics network.
More Than 7,000 Permanent Jobs to Be Created
One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is job creation. Amazon confirmed that more than 7,000 permanent positions will be added across France as part of the expansion plan.
The company revealed several upcoming distribution center openings:
- Illiers-Combray — 1,000 permanent jobs
- Beauvais — 1,000 permanent jobs
- Colombier-Saugnieu — 3,000 permanent jobs
- Ensisheim — 2,000 permanent jobs
The first wave of hiring is expected to begin in 2026, with additional jobs arriving in late 2027 as new facilities become operational.
These jobs will include roles in:
- Warehouse operations
- Robotics and automation
- AI and cloud computing
- Logistics and transportation
- Engineering and technical services
- Management and support functions
Amazon already employs more than 25,000 permanent workers in France and supports over 100,000 total jobs through its broader ecosystem.
Major Boost for AI and AWS Infrastructure
A substantial part of the investment will focus on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and artificial intelligence infrastructure in France. The company plans to expand cloud computing capabilities to support the rapidly growing demand for generative AI technologies.
France has increasingly become one of Europe’s major AI hubs, with growing investment from global technology companies including Microsoft, Google, and Meta. Amazon’s investment strengthens France’s position as a strategic center for AI innovation and cloud services in Europe.
The expansion is expected to benefit:
- French startups
- Enterprise businesses
- AI developers
- Government digital initiatives
- Cloud-based technology companies
Amazon said its AI infrastructure investments will help French businesses improve competitiveness both domestically and internationally.
Faster Deliveries and Expanded Logistics Network
Amazon also confirmed that the investment will significantly strengthen its logistics operations throughout France.
The company revealed that Prime members in France received more than 170 million same-day or next-day deliveries in 2025 — a new record for the company in the region.
By opening additional fulfillment centers closer to consumers, Amazon aims to:
- Reduce delivery times
- Lower transportation distances
- Improve inventory placement using AI
- Expand product availability nationwide
Amazon stated that advanced AI systems are already helping determine where inventory should be stored to optimize delivery efficiency and reduce shipping distances.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Plans
The company emphasized that sustainability is a major part of the investment strategy.
Amazon said the expansion supports its Climate Pledge commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Key environmental initiatives include:
- Expanding electric delivery vehicle fleets
- Increasing cargo bike deliveries
- Using rail and intermodal transportation
- Building energy-efficient logistics facilities
- Reducing average package transportation distances
Amazon revealed that in more than 20 French cities, over two-thirds of packages are already delivered using electric vehicles, cargo bikes, or on foot.
The company also shared data showing that one of its newer logistics facilities reduced average delivery distances by 25%, lowering CO2 emissions per package.
French Government Welcomes Amazon Investment
French officials strongly supported the announcement, viewing it as a major signal of international investor confidence in France.
Nicolas Forissier, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, called the investment a “very strong signal” for the country’s economic future.
The announcement aligns with France’s broader strategy to attract global technology investment through initiatives such as the “Choose France” summit launched by President Emmanuel Macron.
Why This Investment Matters
Amazon’s €15 billion commitment is significant for several reasons:
1. Europe’s AI Competition Is Intensifying
Global tech giants are aggressively investing in European AI infrastructure as demand for generative AI continues growing rapidly.
2. France Is Emerging as a Major Tech Hub
France has become increasingly attractive for cloud computing, AI startups, and data center expansion.
3. E-Commerce Demand Continues to Grow
Amazon’s logistics expansion reflects continued growth in online shopping and faster delivery expectations.
4. Long-Term Employment Impact
The creation of thousands of permanent jobs could provide major economic benefits to local communities across France.
Final Thoughts
Amazon’s announcement represents one of the largest recent technology and logistics investments in France. With more than €15 billion planned for logistics, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and sustainability projects, the company is positioning France as a major strategic hub for its European operations.
The investment is expected to accelerate AI development, strengthen France’s digital economy, improve delivery infrastructure, and generate thousands of permanent jobs over the next several years.
