"After suffering deindustrialisation and the loss of mining, steelmaking, dyeing and wool industries, the Nord needed new jobs," reflects Christian Poiret, President of the French Nord department. "Amazon responded to this need with massive recruitment at the Lauwin-Planque site, unprecedented in their volume and their openness."
His words capture the transformation taking place across parts of Europe, where Amazon's €55+ billion investment in 2024 (€320+ billion since 2010) is reshaping communities that once feared economic decline was irreversible. The numbers are striking: more than €41 billion in additional contribution to Europe's GDP and support for more than 630,000 indirect jobs in areas like construction, infrastructure and logistics, according to the consultancy firm Keystone.
In the EU specifically, where Amazon employs more than 150,000 people directly, the impact runs deep: over €38 billion invested in 2024 (€225+ billion since 2010) and over €29 billion in additional contribution to the EU's GDP, supporting more than 450,000 indirect jobs.
The Lauwin-Planque success story exemplifies this transformation. In France's Hauts-de-France region, where unemployment sits at 8.7% - well above the national average of 7.3% - Amazon has created more than 6,000 jobs in the past decade. The Lauwin-Planque site alone now employs over 2,600 permanent staff, with 84% living within a 30-minute drive. Eleven years after opening, 71% of locals report the site has had a positive or very positive impact, with 94% highlighting job creation as a key benefit.
"Our economic impact in Europe goes far beyond the numbers," explains Mariangela Marseglia, VP Amazon Stores EU. "We're creating opportunities where they're needed most, supporting local economies, and helping to revitalise communities across the continent. The €55 billion we invested in 2024 represents our ongoing dedication to Europe. We're not just building infrastructure; we're building pathways for people to achieve their aspirations and for businesses to thrive."
Amazon’s impact in 2024: Powering European growth
Across Europe:
- 230,000+ direct Amazon employees
- €55+ billion invested in infrastructure and workforce (€320+ billion since 2010)
- An additional €41+ billion contribution to European GDP because of Amazon’s activities (estimated by Keystone)
- 630,000+ indirect jobs supported in construction, infrastructure and logistics
EU27 focus (2024):
- 150,000+ direct Amazon employees
- €38 billion invested in local economies (€225+ billion since 2010)
- Additional €29+ billion GDP contribution
- 450,000+ indirect jobs supported
Key impact areas: • Infrastructure development • Local business growth • Construction sector employment • Supply chain optimisation • Logistics network expansion • Technology sector development
Making impact where it matters most
This impact is particularly meaningful in struggling regions. More than half of Amazon's workforce in the European Union – over 90,000 people – are employed in areas with higher-than-average unemployment rates or below-average employment rates, according to Eurostat's latest report on economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Independent research from Ipsos reveals the broader community impact in economically challenged European regions where Amazon operates logistics facilities. The numbers are compelling: 80% of residents see Amazon's presence as a positive force, up to 95% credit the company with creating jobs, and 81% report increased job opportunities since Amazon's arrival. Perhaps most significantly, over half of residents say financial improvements have led them to consider major life decisions like purchasing property or starting a family.
After more than 25 years in Europe, and with a network of more than 350 logistics facilities and growing tech hubs across Europe, Amazon continues to expand. In communities that once faced uncertain futures, these investments are helping to write new chapters of economic renewal and opportunity.
Looking to the future
Looking to the future, Amazon's investment strategy in Europe demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering economic growth, technological advancement and environmental sustainability.
The company's ambitious plans begin with a powerful commitment to cloud computing, aiming to generate substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities:
- We have announced a €7.8 billion investment in the AWS European Sovereign Cloud through 2040 to contribute to Europe’s digital sovereignty needs. This investment is estimated to support 15,200 full-time equivalent jobs in local German businesses annually and contribute an estimated €15.4 billion to Germany’s GDP.
- We plan to invest €8.8 billion in our AWS Europe (Frankfurt) Region through 2026, supporting 15,200 full-time equivalent jobs in local German businesses annually and contributing an estimated €15.4 billion to Germany’s GDP.
- We plan to invest £8 billion for AWS in the UK before the end of 2028, supporting 14,000 jobs annually in local businesses and contributing £14 billion to the UK’s total GDP.
- We plan to invest €6 billion in France to develop our cloud infrastructure for the period 2017-2031. This investment is estimated to contribute €16.8 billion to France’s GDP over this period, while supporting an average of 5,271 full-time jobs annually in the local supply chain.
- We plan to invest €15.7 billion in our AWS region in Spain, supporting 17,500 jobs annually in local businesses and contributing an estimated €21.6 billion to Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) through to 2033.
Environmental sustainability stands as a cornerstone of this vision, Amazon has committed €1 billion to decarbonise and electrify its transportation network in Europe, and we’ve recently announced three new water projects in Aragon, Spain, totaling a €17.2 million investment. These projects will reduce flood risk for 700,000 residents in the region of Zaragoza, modernise critical infrastructure, and optimise agricultural water use through artificial intelligence (AI).
Looking at workplace innovation, Amazon is investing €1.4 billion in cutting-edge robotics and AI technologies across its facilities, creating safer, more efficient workspaces that blend human expertise with technological advancement: we’ve already invested more €700 million throughout our European fulfilment centre (FC) network, for installation of over 1,000 new robotics and AI-powered innovations to better support employees and deliver for customers; and, by the end of 2025, we will have invested an additional €700 million in technology innovations across our European delivery station network to make our jobs safer and easier.
Together, these investments paint a picture of a future where economic growth, technological innovation and environmental responsibility converge to create a more prosperous and sustainable Europe.
