EU Commission aims to remove barriers to the use of AI

Brussels (dpa) – The EU Commission aims to reduce barriers to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and thereby better equip Europe’s companies for global competition. When presenting its new AI strategy, the Brussels authority announced plans to simplify regulations, promote investments, and significantly expand the establishment of its own data centers.

The plan is likely also a response to criticism from the tech industry, which argues that European regulations such as the AI Act are too bureaucratic and innovation-unfriendly. The Commission intends to actively seek feedback from companies on where regulations are unclear or obstructive. The goal is to better align the regulations with the rapid technological development without compromising safety and ethical standards.

Supercenters for Europe’s Digital Sovereignty

A key focus of the new strategy is on infrastructure. The Commission plans to significantly advance Europe’s data centers in the coming years and calls on member states to apply for the construction of so-called “AI Gigafactories.” These supercenters are intended to train particularly powerful AI models. The idea was announced earlier this year – now the application process is starting. A total of 20 billion euros in investments are to be mobilized for this purpose.

Currently, according to the Commission, only 13.5 percent of companies in Europe use AI technologies. The Commission aims to significantly increase this share and make Europe a leading location for powerful but responsibly deployed AI. So far, the EU has lagged behind countries like China and the USA.

In Germany, the acting Digital Minister Volker Wissing welcomed the plan as an important step for Europe’s technological independence. At the same time, he called for less bureaucracy and better investment conditions.

The AI Federal Association expressed disappointment and described the strategy as one with many announcements but little new substance. (April 9)