EU Launches AI Continent Action Plan Boosts AI Infrastructure and Innovation

The EU Commission has unveiled the AI Continent Action Plan, a strategic initiative to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities across Europe. The plan aims to establish a robust AI infrastructure by setting up 13 AI factories and up to 5 AI gigafactories powered by Europe’s supercomputing network. These facilities will provide startups, industries, and researchers with the tools to develop advanced AI models, supported by €20 billion in private investment mobilized through the InvestAI facility. The Cloud and AI Development Act will further boost private investment in data centers, with a goal to triple the EU’s capacity in sustainable data centers within the next seven years.

To ensure access to high-quality data, the plan introduces the Data Union Strategy, fostering a single market for data across member states. AI factories will host data labs to collect and organize diverse datasets, enabling scalable AI development. This initiative will provide researchers and developers with essential resources to innovate and create cutting-edge AI applications.

The Apply AI Strategy will promote AI adoption in strategic sectors, including public services and healthcare, while addressing the low usage of AI among EU businesses. European Digital Innovation Hubs and AI factories will play a key role in implementing this strategy to integrate AI into industries and bridge the adoption gap. Additionally, the EU will focus on developing AI talent by launching educational programs, facilitating legal migration for skilled workers, and retaining top experts in the field.

To simplify compliance with the AI Act, the Commission has published guidelines and codes of practice and will launch the AI Act Service Desk to support businesses. This centralized resource will provide information and assistance to companies navigating the legal framework for AI implementation, ensuring alignment with EU standards.