The Council is preparing the ground for "AI Gigafactories" and quantum technology in Europe

The modified EuroHPC regulation aims to build a world-class computing infrastructure, while at the same time protecting start-ups and scaling enterprises.

Brussels, January 16, 2026 – The Council of the European Union today adopted a significant amendment to the regulation governing the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). This legislative move officially expands the entity's objectives to facilitate the creation of "AI gigafactories" across Europe and introduces a dedicated pillar for quantum technologies.

In short

The Council adopted an amendment to the EuroHPC regulation to facilitate the creation of AI gigafactories and a quantum technology pillar.

The new rules promote public-private partnerships and establish specific protections for start-ups and scaling enterprises.

The regulation will be published in the Official Journal on January 19 and will enter into force the following day.

The revised regulation authorizes the development and operation of AI gigafactories – a world-class AI computing infrastructure aimed at strengthening Europe's industrial base and global competitiveness. The framework promotes cooperation through public-private partnerships involving member states and industry stakeholders. Crucially, the text establishes specific rules regarding funding and public procurement, ensuring at the same time the protection of the interests of start-ups and scaling enterprises. The amendment is designed to provide partners with the flexibility needed to optimize outcomes, aiming to ensure Europe's leadership position in both AI and quantum fields.

Nicodemos Damianou, the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, described the decision as a "bold and decisive step." He emphasized that AI defines the digital future and that investment in infrastructure capacity is essential to boost Europe's resilience and sovereignty. "This step demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Europe's leadership position in this transformative field," said Damianou.

Following today's approval, the legislative act is set to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union on January 19 and will enter into force the following day. This amendment builds on previous changes from 2024 and a proposal from the Commission in July 2025, transforming the existing concept of AI factories into "gigafactories" on a broader scale to accelerate innovation.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/consiliul-pregateste-terenul-pentru-gigafabricile-de-ia-si-tehnologia-cuantica-in-europa