A new strategy report, titled A Transformative AI Strategy for Europe and released on September 14, outlines a plan to increase the European share of global AI data center capacity from 5% to 15% by 2030. The proposal calls for €100 billion in public funding to expand infrastructure and sets a target of €1.5 trillion in private investment.
The initiative addresses a significant investment gap. In 2024, private AI investment reached $109 billion in the US, compared to $19.42 billion in Europe. Currently, the US controls 75% of global AI data center capacity, while China holds 15% and Europe accounts for approximately 5%.
In July 2026, the European Commission initiated a tender for seven AI gigafactories, each requiring at least 100,000 advanced AI chips. This project involves €10 billion in public funding, aiming to secure over €20 billion in private capital.
The strategy suggests creating an alliance for supply chain security among member states. This plan aims to leverage existing European industrial strengths, specifically the technology of the Dutch company ASML, which produces extreme ultraviolet lithography machines essential for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
