Unveiled on 9 April 2025 by Henna Virkunen, European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, the "AI Continent" action plan is a continuation of the European AI strategy. The contours of this strategy were already outlined at the Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence in February 2025, when the Commissioner announced the InvestAI programme, which will mobilise €200 billion for AI innovation. The cloud, which is inseparable from artificial intelligence, is at the heart of this action plan.
Europe has clearly stated its intention to position itself as a world leader in the field of artificial intelligence, by focusing its efforts on five key pillars: boosting computing power, improving access to data, developing skills, developing AI algorithms and simplifying regulations.
First pillar: Strengthening European computing power
The AI Factories network: a strategic network
The plan is to roll out the AI Factories network from the second quarter of 2025. These "AI Factories" are services enabling the production, deployment and scaling of artificial intelligence solutions. Currently, 13 AI Factories are being deployed around European supercomputers.
A third call for projects for these factories will be launched in May 2025, followed by a call for proposals to set up antennae and network all the infrastructures. To facilitate their use, a one-stop shop will be created in the second quarter of 2025, accessible via the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.
Gigafactories: the next generation of AI infrastructures
Even more ambitiously, the plan introduces the concept of Gigafactories, structures for developing the next generation of advanced AI models. A call for expressions of interest (AMI) was published on 9 April 2025, with a formal call scheduled for the last quarter of 2025 as part of the EuroHPC initiative.
The European Union aims to triple the capacity of its data centres over the next 5 to 7 years, to meet the growing needs of businesses and administrations between now and 2035. The Cloud and AI Development Act, currently out for public consultation until 4 June 2025, aims to create a highly secure, trusted environment for mission-critical AI applications.
Second pillar: Improving access to data
The "AI Continent" plan recognises the crucial importance of the cloud in providing access to high-quality data for the development of successful AI systems. A public consultation on the Data Union Strategy will be launched in the second quarter of 2025, to better understand the industry's data needs.
This strategy will aim to improve the interoperability, availability and sharing of data in the cloud, while guaranteeing the effectiveness of governance structures and the protection of sensitive data. The plan also includes the establishment of Data Labs and the ongoing development of data spaces, with an interoperability programme for the period 2025-2027.
Priority sectors include manufacturing, aerospace, defence, agriculture, energy, the environment, mobility, pharmaceuticals, robotics and telecommunications.
Third pillar: Developing AI skills and talent
Recognising that innovation relies first and foremost on human skills, the action plan focuses on developing AI talent. Several initiatives are planned, including:
- The launch of the AI Skills Academy in the second quarter of 2025
- Increasing the range of university courses (Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates) in key technologies
- The organisation of advanced digital skills competitions
- Support for the lifelong learning of workers in SMEs and start-ups
- Promoting digital literacy and AI through online resources
The plan also includes contributing to legal migration channels to attract highly skilled workers from outside the EU, particularly in the AI sector. This comprehensive approach aims to close the skills gap while strengthening the European research and innovation ecosystem.
Pillar Four: Algorithm development and adoption
The strategy aims to stimulate new industrial uses of AI and improve the public sector. A public consultation will be launched in the second quarter of 2025 to identify stakeholder priorities and inform the Apply AI strategy.
The plan calls for the adoption of the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 research programme, reinforcing the development and deployment of generative AI in strategic sectors. GenAI4EU research projects will be launched in early 2026, with a total investment of around €700 million.
The creation of the European AI Research Council (RAISE) is also in the pipeline, with preparatory actions planned in the near future.
Fifth pillar: Regulatory simplification and innovation
While the European AI Act will prevent market fragmentation and increase confidence in the use of AI, the Commission is calling for the potential burden of compliance to be minimised. An "AI Legislation" helpdesk will be set up in July 2025 to support players in the sector.
In addition, public consultation on the Apply AI strategy will include a process to identify regulatory challenges and inform possible additional measures to support the implementation of the AI Act.
Conclusion
The "AI Continent" action plan represents an ambitious and comprehensive initiative to position Europe as a key player in global artificial intelligence. By combining massive investment, cutting-edge infrastructure, access to data, skills development and an appropriate regulatory framework, the European Union is giving itself the means to achieve its ambitions.
A forthcoming communication on the international strategy for digital sovereignty, security and democracy will further clarify the global governance of AI, confirming Europe's commitment to shaping the future of this strategic technology in line with its values and interests.
The success of this plan will depend on its effective implementation and the ability of European players to seize the opportunities it offers. Europe now has a clear roadmap for becoming a true "AI Continent".