This development has been reported by the BRAK in its News from Brussels (Issue 7/2025). In its commentary, BRAK underscored the significance of the European Commission’s efforts to shape a unified and strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent. It noted that the AI Continent Action Plan represents a pivotal step towards establishing the EU as a global leader in AI, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring that the legal profession remains informed and engaged as regulatory and technological frameworks evolve. BRAK drew particular attention to the implications for data governance, legal certainty, and professional ethics, especially in light of ongoing discussions surrounding the European AI Act.
On 9 April 2025, the European Commission presented its AI Continent Action Plan, accompanied by two open consultations. The initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption and infrastructure development throughout the EU. A central objective of the Action Plan is the creation of a large-scale AI data and computing infrastructure, including a network of AI factories and AI gigafactories. These facilities are intended to foster innovation by improving access to high-quality, large-volume datasets, supported by the establishment of data labs as key access points.
The Action Plan also outlines a forthcoming European Data Union strategy, the development of new algorithms, and the promotion of AI applications in strategic sectors, such as industry and public administration. This falls under the Commission’s broader “Applying AI” strategy, which is currently under public consultation. Furthermore, the plan emphasises the need to cultivate AI talent across Europe, including efforts to attract highly qualified specialists.
To build trust among citizens, investors, and businesses, the Commission also aims to simplify legislative frameworks, including the establishment of a service desk dedicated to supporting implementation of the AI Act. The two consultations—on cloud and AI and on the industrial use of AI—are open until 4 June 2025, with a legal act expected to follow.