European Commission Targets AI Sovereignty with New Action Plan
The European Commission has unveiled its AI Continent Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to position Europe as a global leader in artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to build upon recent regulatory frameworks, research advancements, and infrastructure developments to enhance AI capabilities across the continent.
Strategic Vision and Goals
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen articulated this vision at the February AI Action Summit held in Paris, emphasizing the need for a European-led transformation in AI technologies. The plan comprises a five-pillar approach intended to strengthen Europe’s scientific and industrial base, promoting innovation while upholding democratic values and ensuring technological sovereignty.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s Executive Vice President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, asserted that “Artificial intelligence is at the heart of making Europe more competitive, secure, and technologically sovereign.” She underscored the urgency of action in the ongoing global race for AI.
Investment in AI Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the action plan is a significant investment in AI infrastructure. The establishment of thirteen AI Factories, which will act as regional hubs connected to Europe’s high-performance computing centers, is already underway. These Factories are designed to support AI startups, public institutions, and researchers by providing essential compute resources and curated datasets.
Additionally, the plan proposes the creation of AI Gigafactories, each capable of housing around 100,000 advanced AI chips. This initiative aims to enhance the public AI infrastructure, enabling innovators and researchers to train and refine complex AI models. The concept of the Gigafactories draws inspiration from the collaborative spirit that underpins CERN, envisioning a platform for scientific collaboration on ambitious projects across sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, and robotics.
Moreover, a Cloud and AI Development Act has been proposed to stimulate private investment in data centers and cloud infrastructure, with the goal of tripling the EU’s data center capacity over the next five to seven years while prioritizing sustainability and security. The initiative also seeks to improve access to high-quality data through the establishment of Data Labs within AI Factories.
Promoting AI Adoption and Talent Development
Despite advancements in technology, the adoption of AI among businesses in Europe remains low, with only 13.5 percent of companies having deployed AI technologies as of 2024. To counter this trend, the Commission plans to launch the Apply AI Strategy, which will focus on accelerating AI uptake in strategic sectors such as healthcare, energy, mobility, and public services.
To facilitate this transition, Digital Innovation Hubs will be restructured to function as AI Experience Centers, providing companies with the resources needed to test and adopt AI solutions effectively.
Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled AI professionals, the Commission will introduce the AI Skills Academy. This initiative aims to enhance training and education in AI and generative AI, encompassing fellowship schemes, apprenticeship programs, and opportunities for returning professionals to increase diversity and retain top talent within Europe.
Additional efforts include attracting international students through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action initiative and streamlining legal pathways for highly skilled non-EU workers.
Regulatory Clarity and Stakeholder Engagement
With the rollout of the AI Act in August 2024, the Commission is focused on simplifying its application. A new AI Act Service Desk will provide centralized guidance to aid businesses in understanding and complying with the legislation. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage through consultations regarding the Cloud and AI Development Act, Apply AI Strategy, and the forthcoming Data Union Strategy.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s Action Plan is presented as a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration and innovation. By implementing this strategy, Europe aims not only to compete with global AI powers but also to establish a leadership model that underscores democratic values, scientific excellence, and public trust. If successful, this plan could serve as a global benchmark for responsible AI development and governance.
