On April 9, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the AI Continent Action Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Europe as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). This plan significantly influences the trajectory of DIGITAL EUROPE PROGRAMME (DIGITAL) projects, particularly in areas such as AI infrastructure, digital skills, and industrial competitiveness.
Key Pillars of the AI Continent Action Plan
The Action Plan introduces several initiatives that align closely with the objectives of the DIGITAL EUROPE programme:
AI Factories
The Commission is establishing a network of AI Factories across Europe. They are collaborative hubs that bring together supercomputing, data, and talent to develop advanced AI applications across sectors like health, climate, and manufacturing. These facilities will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to support AI start-ups, industry, and researchers in developing AI models and applications. Backed by the EU’s 2024 AI Innovation Package and the AI Continent Action Plan, at least 15 AI Factories and several AI-optimised supercomputers will be operational by 2026, with a focus on supporting start-ups and SMEs.
AI Gigafactories
In parallel, the €20 billion InvestAI Facility will establish up to 5 large-scale AI Gigafactories equipped with over 100,000 processors to train next-generation AI models. These facilities will integrate massive computing power and data centres to train and develop complex AI models at an unprecedented scale. These efforts aim to strengthen Europe’s AI ecosystem through public-private partnerships and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Cloud and AI Development Act
To stimulate private sector investment in cloud capacity and data centres, the Commission will propose the Cloud and AI Development Act. This legislation aims to at least triple the EU's data centre capacity in the next 5 to 7 years, prioritising highly sustainable data centres.
Implications for DIGITAL EUROPE PROGRAMME Projects
The AI Continent Action Plan is set to improve the impact of DIGITAL projects in several ways.
Infrastructure Enhancement: The establishment of AI Factories and Gigafactories will provide DEP projects with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure, facilitating the development and deployment of advanced AI applications.
Skill Development: The plan's emphasis on AI education and training aligns with DIGITAL 's objective of advancing digital skills across the EU. This synergy will help address the shortage of ICT specialists and promote gender convergence in the digital sector.
Industrial Competitiveness: By fostering collaboration between start-ups, innovators, and industrial users, the AI Continent Action Plan supports DIGITAL EUROPE's goal of enhancing the digital transformation of businesses, particularly SMEs.
What is DEDEP.eu’s role in this?
DEDEP.eu is committed to amplifying the results of DIGITAL EUROPE PROGRAMME projects by mapping good practices to enhance visibility and uptake across initiatives, implementing pilot actions to collect field evidence and shape future strategies, and supporting capacity building through tailored tools and guidance for DIGITAL officers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination and exploitation.
The AI Continent Action Plan represents a significant opportunity for DIGITAL projects to benefit from enhanced AI infrastructure, support skill development, and strengthen industrial competitiveness. Through strategic alignment and collaboration, DEDEP.eu will play a key role in ensuring that the benefits of this plan are fully realised across the European digital landscape.
To stay informed about the latest developments relevant to DIGITAL projects, follow us and subscribe to our newsletter.
