The key facts

  • Von der Leyen: 37% of EU companies used AI in 2025; the sector needs at least €500 billion in investment
  • €30 billion is planned to be mobilised for seven AI gigafactories
  • The European Commission is preparing a 22nd sanctions package against Russia and a proposal to finance Ukraine in 2027

European leaders call for accelerating AI development

European leaders on Friday called for increased investment and accelerated development of artificial intelligence, stressing the need to strengthen Europe's position in the global technology race and ensure strategic autonomy. After a European Council meeting in Dublin, European Council President António Costa called AI 'the defining technology of our time' and said Europe could become 'a leading and sovereign player in key links of the AI value chain' as a condition of strategic autonomy. According to him, catching up with global competitors will require significant additional funds, and transparent oversight of AI risks is necessary to preserve public trust. Costa also noted that the EU is the world's first region with an AI governance system, and this experience can be used to shape global standards.

Investment and gigafactories

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called AI a technological turning point that will define the coming decades and stressed that Europe needs to 'get it right'. According to her, in 2025, 37% of EU companies used AI, and developing the sector will require at least €500 billion (about $553 billion). She also recalled plans to create seven AI gigafactories, for which, she said, €30 billion (about $33 billion) can be mobilised. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said Europe has many of the elements needed to succeed in the global AI race, but innovations need to be turned into commercial success and large-scale deployment faster. He stressed that AI must remain under human guidance, control and oversight, and develop in accordance with international law; he also noted the need to protect children and young people and preserve the integrity of public debate and democratic processes.

A unified position on Ukraine

The leaders also stressed the need for a coordinated European position in discussions on ending Russia's war with Ukraine. 'Our position is clear: Europe's security begins with Ukraine's security,' Costa said, adding that the European team for peace talks will include the EU institutions and the 'five' of the 'coalition of the willing' — France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. According to him, only Ukraine has the legitimacy to make decisions on matters of its territory and sovereignty, and Europe's priority is providing Kyiv with the necessary financial and military assistance; the coming weeks will be a decisive test of Russia's readiness to end the war. Von der Leyen said the European Commission will soon propose a 22nd sanctions package against Russia and, before the next summit, will present a proposal to address Ukraine's funding shortfall in 2027. Martin welcomed real progress towards a ceasefire and a lasting peace, but noted that Russia must demonstrate seriousness of intent to end the war.