EU plans to boost AI with supercomputers

What are supercomputers?

Supercomputers are highly advanced computer systems designed to handle extremely large datasets and perform complex calculations at very high speeds, far beyond the capabilities of standard computers.

These powerful machines are composed of thousands of interconnected processors that work in parallel. This allows researchers and developers to create advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies faster, boosting innovation and opening new possibilities to tackle societal challenges, such as climate change, medicine development, cybersecurity, and greener and safer transport.

How can supercomputers help develop AI?

Artificial intelligence systems rely on extensive datasets to learn and improve. They also require powerful computational resources to process complex algorithms and perform high-speed calculations.

Researchers and developers need access to these vast amounts of data and computing power to develop, train and fine-tune sophisticated artificial intelligence models.

A new EU regulation grants them access to AI factories - specialised facilities equipped with state-of-the-art supercomputers.

EU rules on the use of supercomputing in AI development

In June 2024, the Council adopted new rules granting public and private users, including start-ups and SMEs, access to artificial intelligence factories – entities offering supercomputing services to develop and test AI models.

The regulation aims to stimulate AI development and innovation, support start-ups and SMEs, and help Europe stay globally competitive in responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence.

AI factories

Artificial intelligence factories are equipped with:

an AI supercomputer
a large data centre that regularly upgrades the supercomputer’s AI capabilities
a range of AI-oriented supercomputing services

Under the new rules, entities hosting AI factories can receive EU financial support covering up to 50% of supercomputer acquisition costs and operating expenses.

EuroHPC

The creation and operation of artificial intelligence factories is now included in the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) joint undertaking, an initiative aimed at making Europe a leader in supercomputing.

The EuroHPC focuses on developing supercomputing infrastructure, promoting its use, and supporting technological and skill development.

In January 2026, the Council adopted an amendment to the EuroHPC regulation that aims to:

establish AI gigafactories in Europe
create a dedicated quantum pillar

AI gigafactories are large-scale facilities combining high-performance computing, energy-efficient data centres, and AI-driven automation. These centres will provide world-class AI computing infrastructure to support European researchers, entrepreneurs, and industries, thereby:

boosting Europe's industrial strength
fostering new AI solutions
enhancing the EU's technological autonomy