The EU Council has given the green light to the creation of AI gigafactories in Europe
The Council of the European Union has adopted amendments to the regulation governing the activities of the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, paving the way for the creation of so-called AI gigafactories in Europe. These are powerful, world-class infrastructures for artificial intelligence computing, which are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry and science.
The updated regulation provides for the development and operation of AI gigafactories based on public-private partnerships involving EU member states and businesses. The document also establishes rules for financing and procurement, while separately protecting the interests of start-ups and fast-growing companies. In addition, a separate section dedicated to quantum technologies has been added to the EuroHPC structure.
Cyprus' Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, stressed that investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure is critical to Europe's sustainability, sovereignty and global role. According to him, the decision demonstrates the EU's intention to take a leading position in the field of AI and quantum computing.
After approval by the Council, the legislative act is considered adopted. The regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 January and will enter into force the following day. It is expected that this will allow for faster launch of new large-scale computing projects and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence in Europe.
