The European Commission’s AI Continent Action Plan
On April 9, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the AI Continent Action Plan, a strategic framework designed to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and regulatory compliance within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The plan emphasizes the necessity of developing trustworthy and human-centric AI as a catalyst for economic growth and the safeguarding of fundamental rights.
The plan includes a series of legislative and policy initiatives, such as the Apply AI Strategy, Data Union Strategy, a proposal for a Cloud and AI Development Act, and the AI in Science Strategy. Public consultations and calls for interest regarding these initiatives have also been initiated.
Key Focus Areas of the Action Plan
The AI Continent Action Plan is structured around five primary areas:
1. Building Large-Scale Data and Computing Infrastructure
The European Union aims to bolster its public AI infrastructure by enhancing the network of supercomputers to support AI model development and innovation. The plan discusses the establishment of at least 13 AI factories and up to 5 AI Gigafactories throughout the EU. These facilities will integrate supercomputers, data resources, and training capabilities to foster collaboration and innovation in AI applications.
AI Gigafactories are envisioned as large-scale facilities dedicated to the development and training of complex AI models, aspiring towards the creation of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). These Gigafactories will be interconnected within a network of AI Factories, promoting seamless integration across the European AI landscape and stimulating the design and manufacturing of AI processors in Europe. The InvestAI Initiative aims to mobilize €20 billion in private investment for these endeavors.
2. Increasing Access to High-Quality Data
The Action Plan proposes a future Cloud and AI Development Act to boost investments in cloud and edge computing, with the goal of tripling the EU’s data center capacity within the next five to seven years. This Act will establish a common EU marketplace for cloud services, diversifying cloud providers while ensuring highly secure EU-based solutions.
The European Commission will also initiate a Data Union Strategy aimed at enhancing data access and interoperability across sectors. This strategy will facilitate the establishment of Data Labs within AI Factories, linked to relevant European Data Spaces to gather high-quality data for AI research. Furthermore, the Data Union Strategy seeks to simplify compliance with EU data regulations, making it easier for businesses to share and utilize data while ensuring data integrity and security.
3. Promoting AI Adoption in Strategic EU Sectors
To accelerate AI adoption in critical sectors such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, automotive, energy, and aerospace, the European Commission will soon launch the Apply AI Strategy. This strategy includes the establishment of a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public sector organizations in adopting AI technologies.
Additionally, the AI in Science Strategy aims to address barriers faced by scientists, encouraging collaboration and enhancing the integration of AI in scientific research.
4. Improving AI Talent and Skills
The EU recognizes the importance of addressing AI talent shortages through enhanced education and training programs. This includes launching the AI Skills Academy, offering fellowship schemes, and supporting reskilling initiatives to promote AI adoption among SMEs and public administrations.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Simplification
The Action Plan aims to implement the Artificial Intelligence Act, which came into force in August 2024 and is set for full application by August 2027. This Act is designed to ensure a well-functioning single market for AI. In July 2025, an AI Act Service Desk will be established within the European AI Office to serve as a central hub for guidance and compliance support, particularly beneficial for smaller companies.
The European Commission will collaborate with the AI Board to develop standards that facilitate compliance and reduce regulatory uncertainty.
Public Consultations
To refine the Action Plan, the European Commission has opened three public consultations:
- Proposal for Cloud and AI Development Act: This consultation will gather stakeholder opinions on the EU’s computational capacity and the use of cloud services in the public sector, open until June 4, 2025.
- Apply AI Strategy: This consultation aims to identify stakeholder priorities and challenges in AI uptake, also open until June 4, 2025.
- AI in Science Strategy: This consultation seeks insights from research organizations and companies on challenges in AI’s application in science, open until June 4, 2025.
Overall, the AI Continent Action Plan presents a comprehensive strategy to position the EU at the forefront of AI innovation while ensuring ethical standards and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
