When I visit Amazon facilities, I meet people whose lives have been transformed. A young woman in Dortmund who was fascinated by tools and electronics as a child, and is now pursuing her passion as a mechatronics trainee. Skilled workers in Vienna looking for new opportunities where they can work with cutting-edge technology. These stories represent the real impact of change for people and regions that are searching for a prosperous future.
The Power of Strategic Investment
Last year, Amazon employed more than 150,000 people in the European Union and invested over €38 billion, contributing an additional €41 billion to GDP and supporting more than 450,000 indirect jobs in areas such as construction, infrastructure and logistics. In addition, small and medium-sized businesses that sell on Amazon have created more than 380,000 jobs across the EU to support their online operations.
What makes these numbers truly meaningful is where this growth is happening. More than half of our EU workforce is employed in regions with higher-than-average unemployment rates.
Independent research confirms the transformative effect: according to Ipsos, up to 95% of residents in regions where we operate recognize Amazon’s contribution to job creation, and more than half say their improved financial situation has enabled them to consider major life decisions like buying a home or starting a family.
Driving Regional Renaissance
In Germany, we’ve created more than 7,000 permanent jobs in regions such as Düsseldorf and Arnsberg that are either just below or at the threshold of being classified as economically challenged. In Poland, we’ve made substantial investments in economically challenged regions, creating more than 12,000 jobs in areas like Dolnoslaskie, Slaskie and Zachodniopomorskie, in need of regional development and economic opportunity. In Dolnoslaskie specifically, where we’ve created more than 5,000 jobs, we’re seeing how investment in logistics and technology infrastructure can catalyze broader economic development.
The Czech Republic showcases how our investments can strengthen already robust economies. In Praha and Jihovýchod, our 4,380 employees contribute to maintaining and improving the region’s strong economy. Meanwhile, in Romania’s Nord-Est region, we’ve created more than 1,300 jobs in an area facing significant economic challenges, making a tangible impact on local employment opportunities.
Investing in Europe’s Digital Future
As Europe focuses on strengthening its competitiveness, we’re investing €7.8 billion in the AWS European Sovereign Cloud through 2040, with significant impact in Germany. Our €8.8 billion investment in the AWS Europe (Frankfurt) Region through 2026 will support 15,200 full-time equivalent jobs in local German businesses annually.
In addition, our €1.4 billion investment in robotics and AI technologies across our facilities isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about preparing the European workforce for the digital age. This is particularly evident in our German operations, where we’re creating centers of excellence for technological innovation.
The Path Forward
This is a crucial moment for Europe. The decisions being made today about digital innovation, cross-border trade, and sustainable business practices will shape Europe’s competitive position for decades to come. There are three key areas I feel require attention:
- Strengthening the Single Market by simplifying cross-border trade rules and creating consistent digital regulations across member states.
- Maintaining a balance between responsible innovation and competitiveness in Europe’s digital and AI agenda.
- Supporting regions facing economic challenges through programs that help attract investment and develop skills.
Amazon aims to be a constructive partner in Europe’s economic renewal, and our experience in Central and Eastern Europe shows that the combination of private-sector investment and supportive public policies can have a transformative impact on local communities. Through continued investment in infrastructure, skills development, and sustainable technologies, we can help create opportunities across all European regions, ensuring no community is left behind in the digital transformation.
The story of Europe’s economic renewal is still being written. At Amazon, we’re proud to be contributing to new chapters of growth, innovation and opportunity in communities across Central and Eastern Europe.
Rocco Bräuniger is the Vice President in Country Manager Germany & Expansion Countries EU of Amazon.
