The European Commission has announced a strategic Action Plan for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe, combining initiatives aimed at strengthening AI infrastructure, improving access to data, applying AI in strategic sectors, enhancing workforce skills, and simplifying regulation.

The plan was presented by Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen. It builds on the goals outlined by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the AI Summit in Paris in February and aims to leverage Europe’s traditional industries and scientific workforce to drive innovation.

"Artificial intelligence is central to Europe's competitiveness, security, and technological sovereignty. The global AI race is only just beginning," Virkkunen said in a written statement. The action plan "identifies the key areas where efforts must intensify for Europe to become a global leader and a true AI continent," she added.

As part of the plan, the Commission will enhance Europe’s AI and supercomputing infrastructure through the AI Factories network. This already includes 13 research networks linked to European supercomputers and supports startups, industry, and researchers in developing AI models and applications.

The EU will also support the creation of large-scale AI Gigafactories, facilities equipped with approximately 100,000 state-of-the-art AI chips—four times more than what current factories possess. Funding will be facilitated through the InvestAI program, which aims to mobilize €20 billion in investments.

In addition, the action plan envisions the creation of data labs that will collect and curate large volumes of high-quality data from various sources within the AI Factories. A comprehensive strategy for a Data Union is expected to be launched, aiming to build a true internal market for data in Europe.

Despite AI’s potential, only 13.5% of companies in the EU have adopted such technologies. To address this, the Commission will launch a targeted strategy for AI deployment in the coming months.

To boost skills and attract AI specialists, the Commission will facilitate the international recruitment of highly skilled AI experts and researchers through initiatives such as the Talent Pool, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action "MSCA Select Europe," and dedicated AI fellowship programs.

A dedicated AI Act Helpdesk will also be established to assist businesses in complying with the new AI regulation.

As part of the action plan, the Commission is launching two public consultations. The first focuses on gathering stakeholder input on legislation for cloud computing and AI development. The second aims to identify implementation challenges and priority areas under the AI Act.

A third public consultation is scheduled to begin in May, focusing on the strategy for the European Data Union.