EU Council Agrees on Supercomputer Use for AI
The Council of the European Union recently outlined plans to modify existing regulations governing the European High Performing Computer Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC). These adjustments are aimed at fostering the use of supercomputers for the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) development. On May 24, the EU updated the regulation to include the establishment and operation of local AI factories, enhancing infrastructure dedicated to AI supercomputing services.
This proposal stems from foundational work begun by EuroHPC, an initiative established in 2018 to oversee European supercomputing projects. Over the years, EuroHPC has successfully managed the deployment of nine supercomputers across Europe. The introduction of AI factories shows a commitment to furthering this mission, providing even greater support for AI-related advancements.
The aim of these AI factories is to create an environment where European AI startups can access superior resources, facilitating innovation and enabling more intensive training of AI models. This marks significant progress for the EU, reflecting a strategy designed to reinforce its leadership in AI technology. Larger supercomputing capacities are expected to elevate the region’s position in the global AI arena.
Willy Borsus, Vice-President of Wallonia and Minister for Economy, Research and Innovation, emphasized the importance of unity in achieving such milestones. He remarked on Europe’s collaborative strength in building world-class supercomputers and expressed optimism about boosting the impact of these machines through credible AI advancements.
The Council also expressed the need for the EuroHPC Governing Board to establish special access conditions for these AI supercomputers. This move is particularly focused on startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring these smaller entities have the resources to participate in significant AI developments. Under the newly proposed regulation, hosting entities could receive up to 50% of the costs linked to acquiring and operating these AI supercomputers, courtesy of the Union.
An additional provision allows for the ownership of these supercomputers to be handed over to hosting entities five years after passing acceptance tests. These AI supercomputers are set to concentrate on the development, testing, evaluation, and validation of extensive AI training models and emerging applications, driving significant advancements in AI solutions within the region.
Before these changes can be implemented, the proposed regulation must undergo a legal review. Upon approval, it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, becoming effective twenty days after publication. This regulatory modification is part of the broader AI initiative announced by the EU’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, representing a strategic movement towards enhancing AI capabilities across Europe.
The EU has consistently been at the forefront of establishing AI policies and frameworks to cultivate safe and ethical AI development across the continent. In March 2024, the EU made a landmark move by passing the AI Act, becoming the first in the world to implement extensive regulations dedicated to ethical AI development. This amendment to include AI factories is another step in the EU’s ongoing commitment to leading global AI innovation and regulation.
24 thoughts on “EU Council Agrees on Supercomputer Use for AI”
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So proud to see Europe taking a leading role in AI innovation. These AI factories are going to be a game-changer. 👏👏
Looks like more red tape for startups and SMEs 😕. They won’t stand a chance competing with the big corporations.
Exciting times for the AI community in Europe! These new AI factories will definitely push the boundaries of what’s possible.
All these proposed changes and yet no mention of how they plan to address ethical concerns in AI 🤷♂️.
Such a groundbreaking initiative! The EU is setting a great example in fostering AI development. Can’t wait to see the results! 💡🌍
Does nobody see the potential for misuse here? AI development without stringent controls is a recipe for disaster. ⚠️
A major step forward for AI development in Europe! So happy to see this kind of support for emerging technologies.
Fantastic initiative! The EU is really paving the way for cutting-edge AI developments. Can’t wait to see the outcomes!
Im skeptical about the so-called ‘support for startups.’ Its more likely to benefit the same old players.
Willy Borsus is right—strong collaborative efforts always lead to impressive innovations. These supercomputing services are the future! 💥🔍
Great news for AI enthusiasts! The EU’s commitment to AI innovation is stronger than ever.
So, we’ll now have local supercomputers consuming massive energy while we’re supposed to be fighting climate change? 🌍🌡️
Proud to see Europe leading in AI tech. These AI factories will open up so many opportunities for innovation. Great job, EU!
Exciting news for the AI community in Europe! The EU is really stepping up its game with these AI factories. Can’t wait to see what innovations come out of this.
AI factories? Sounds like a dystopian nightmare in the making . Not excited about this at all.
How about using these resources to improve existing infrastructures instead of creating more high-tech elitism?
Amazing to see the EU taking such ambitious steps towards AI innovation and regulation. The future looks bright! 💫🔍
Super proud to see Europe taking the lead in AI development! These AI factories are a fantastic idea.
Kudos to the EU for this forward-thinking initiative. Exciting times ahead for AI startups and the entire tech community!
Such a visionary move by EU! These AI supercomputers are going to revolutionize how we approach AI in the region.
Incredible progress! The new AI factories will surely help Europe maintain its leadership in AI tech. 📊🔝
Wow, this is huge! Thrilled to see the EU making such decisive moves to support AI development. Exciting times ahead! 🤖🌟
Investing in infrastructure for AI development is just what Europe needs. So excited to see where this leads! 🚀🌍
It feels like this is more about politics than actual AI development. Wheres the focus on real innovation?