The European Commission and the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) have signed a new agreement aimed at accelerating the development of large-scale AI computing facilities across the EU, strengthening Europe’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.

Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen, EIB Group President Nadia Calviño and European Investment Fund Deputy Chief Executive Merete Clausen signed a memorandum of understanding that sets the framework for supporting the creation of “AI Gigafactories.” These facilities are intended to host advanced computing infrastructure needed to train and develop next-generation AI systems.

Under the agreement, the EIB Group will offer specialised advisory support to the consortia that responded to the Commission’s initial call for expressions of interest. This technical guidance is expected to help transform early-stage concepts into viable, bankable projects capable of applying to the formal call for AI Gigafactories scheduled for early 2026. Successful proposals may also become eligible for EIB co-financing.

The partnership marks a significant step forward for the EU’s InvestAI initiative, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025. InvestAI aims to mobilise EUR 20 billion to fund up to five AI Gigafactories across Europe.

According to the Commission, the initiative is designed not only to unlock major investment but also to translate Europe’s strategic AI ambitions into concrete infrastructure—bolstering innovation, enhancing technological sovereignty, and positioning the EU as a competitive force in the global AI landscape.

Further details are available in the memorandum of understanding signed by the Commission and the EIB Group.