The European Commission is advancing the AI Continent Action Plan. Through this initiative, Europe aims to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing by 2030, to reduce dependence on international technology companies.
Through an impact assessment, the Commission is evaluating the necessary steps to attain this goal. This has already pinpointed issues obstructing the European provision of cloud and AI services:
- Limited access to natural resources, such as energy and space for data centres.
- Inefficient and inconsistent licensing procedures in member states.
- Underutilised technological innovations in data centre design.
- A shortage of European cloud computing services capable of operating at scale and serving, among others, the public sector.
Various policy alternatives
To tackle these challenges, the Commission is evaluating three policy directions:
- Status Quo – No new measures; relying on existing EU laws.
- Targeted modifications – Enhancements in interoperability, transparency, and security.
- Aspirational reforms – Implementing enforceable standards, collaborative public investment, and support for European cloud providers.
Voice your opinion
The European Commission welcomes feedback from citizens, businesses, public authorities, and civil society organisations regarding the three policy options. Interested parties can participate in a public consultation available until 3 July 2025. The insights gathered will inform a detailed policy proposal, which is expected to be published later this year. This initiative could mark a significant advancement for Europe towards digital independence.
Share your views through the official website of the European Union. There, you can also view feedback from other participants.
