The European Commission unveiled on Wednesday (9 April) its ambitious “AI Continent Action Plan” to position the EU as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The strategy seeks to modernise traditional industries and harness Europe’s broad talent pool to drive innovation across sectors and address new technological challenges. The Commission’s proposal is built around five key pillars:
1. Building a large-scale AI data and computing infrastructure
To support the advancement of AI, the Commission is investing in a robust data and computing infrastructure. A key element of this initiative is creating a network of AI Factories, with 13 already operational near Europe’s leading supercomputers. These centers are designed to assist AI startups, established industries, and research institutions in building and deploying advanced AI models. The plan also introduces the concept of AI Gigafactories, large-scale facilities that will:
- Integrate massive computing power with extensive data centres
- Deploy approximately 100,000 state-of-the-art AI chips—quadruple the capacity of current AI factories
- Train complex AI models at an unprecedented scale
In addition, the Commission will propose a “Cloud and AI Development Act” to stimulate private sector investment in cloud capacity and data centres, with the goal to triple the EU’s data centre capacity in 5-7 year. These initiatives aim to promote Europe’s technological independence, ensuring the region can compete globally. Equally important is the forward-looking approach towards semiconductors. The Commission’s focus on secure, efficient, and innovative chip design—reinforced by discussions for a Chips Act 2.0—illustrates a commitment to bolstering Europe’s resilience in key industries.
2. Increasing access to large and high-quality data
AI innovation thrives on the availability of vast and reliable data sets. Recognising this, the Action Plan prioritises the creation of Data Labs within the AI Factories. These labs will:
- Curate diverse sources of high-quality data
- Facilitate its integration into AI systems
- Enable researchers and businesses to access and leverage large volumes of information efficiently
Additionally, a comprehensive Data Union Strategy is set to launch later this year, aiming to create a seamless internal market for data. This critical step is expected to accelerate AI solutions by making data more accessible, ultimately fostering an ecosystem where innovation can flourish.
3. Developing algorithms and fostering AI adoption in strategic EU sectors
Despite the promising potential of AI technologies, only a modest 13.5% of companies in the EU have integrated AI into their operations. To shift this paradigm, the Commission is preparing the “Apply AI Strategy.” This initiative will:
- Develop tailored AI solutions for strategic public and private sectors
- Leverage the existing European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) alongside AI Factories to nurture practical applications of AI
While encouraging industry-wide uptake of AI, the strategy will also address the need for robust algorithms that cater to diverse applications—from industrial automation to enhanced public service delivery. In parallel, robust consultations with industry stakeholders are expected to refine the strategy and pinpoint areas where further optimisation is required.
4. Strengthening AI Skills and Talents
A critical component to achieving the full potential of AI lies in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills. The Commission is set to:
- Facilitate international recruitment of highly skilled AI experts
- Launch initiatives such as the Talent Pool, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action “MSCA Choose Europe”, and AI fellowship schemes offered by an upcoming AI Skills Academy
- Develop educational and training programmes geared towards AI and Generative AI across various sectors
These measures aim to build a robust talent pool capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
5. Regulatory simplification
Alongside capacity building, regulatory simplification forms an integral part of the plan. The Commission seeks to balance citizen protection with clear, manageable regulations for businesses. As Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen recently stated: “We are working towards a future where tech innovation drives industry and public services forward, bringing concrete benefits to our citizens and businesses through trustworthy AI.”
By identifying areas where the “administrative burden” can be trimmed—such as reducing unnecessary reporting obligations—the Commission is committed to fostering an environment where innovation is not stifled by red tape.
Conclusions
The Commission will open public consultations on key components of the initiative, such as the Cloud and AI Development Act and the Apply AI Strategy. By doing so, the Commission is actively seeking stakeholder input to refine its ambitious vision for Europe as a leader in AI.
With a clear roadmap and milestones, the AI Continent Action Plan marks a transformative step for Europe. By building world-class infrastructure, easing access to data, promoting AI adoption across critical sectors, and nurturing the next generation of AI talent, the Commission is paving the way for Europe to emerge as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence.
