The European Commission is set to propose a significant boost to the bloc’s AI funding, aiming to close the gap with the United States and China. In a forthcoming policy document, the EU executive plans to recommend a multi‑billion‑euro investment push, combining public and private money, to accelerate research, infrastructure, and talent acquisition across member states. The goal is to ensure Europe remains competitive in a sector that is projected to contribute €2 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
A key focus of the proposal is the creation of a pan‑European AI super‑computing network, designed to give researchers and startups access to the high‑performance resources currently dominated by US firms like NVIDIA and Google. By pooling resources and establishing shared data centers, the Commission hopes to attract top AI talent and foster breakthroughs in areas such as generative AI, healthcare diagnostics, and climate modeling.
The initiative also stresses the importance of aligning AI development with the EU’s regulatory framework, particularly the recently adopted AI Act, which imposes strict transparency and risk‑assessment requirements. While the Act aims to protect citizens’ rights, officials acknowledge that overly burdensome rules could stifle innovation. The new funding plan therefore includes provisions for regulatory sandboxes and streamlined compliance processes, allowing companies to test cutting‑edge solutions without being hampered by red tape.
Overall, the European Commission’s strategy reflects a balancing act between ambition and caution. By injecting substantial capital into AI while maintaining a robust governance regime, the EU hopes to carve out a leadership position that rivals the scale of US private‑sector investment and China’s state‑driven AI push. Success will depend on effective coordination among member states, sustained public support, and the ability to translate research breakthroughs into commercially viable products .
