Council backs EuroHPC changes to create AI gigafactories and quantum framework
The Council has agreed on its position to amend the Regulation governing the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), opening the way for the deployment of AI “gigafactories” across the Union and the creation of a dedicated quantum technology pillar. This move consolidates high-performance computing, advanced AI infrastructure and quantum initiatives under a single strategic framework, aligning EuroHPC’s mandate with current industrial and digital policy priorities.
Under the proposal, AI gigafactories are conceived as large-scale facilities combining high-performance computing resources, energy-efficient data centers and AI automation capabilities. They are intended to serve researchers, start-ups and industry with world-class computing capacity, thereby reinforcing EU technological sovereignty and competitiveness in advanced computing and AI services.
The initiative will rely on public-private partnerships involving Member States and industry stakeholders, supported by clearer rules on funding structures, procurement procedures and safeguards for smaller companies. The amended framework would allow unused EU budgetary resources to be redirected to AI gigafactory projects and would facilitate multi-site infrastructures spanning several Member States, enabling more flexible and cross-border deployment models.
In parallel, the Council agreed to transfer quantum research and innovation activities from Horizon Europe to the EuroHPC JU, creating a dedicated quantum technology pillar and signaling a stronger strategic focus on this field. The text also updates governance arrangements and introduces additional safeguards concerning participation by entities from third countries. As the act is not subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Parliament is limited to delivering an opinion, expected on 17 December, with final Council adoption to follow after completion of legal-linguistic checks.
