Von der Leyen gives nod to €100B 'CERN for AI' proposal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has endorsed a proposal for a €100 billion initiative dubbed “CERN for AI,” aimed at significantly boosting artificial intelligence research in Europe. This proposal seeks to establish a collaborative framework similar to CERN, which historically advanced fundamental physics in Europe. The initiative is intended to address Europe’s lag in AI development compared to the US, as highlighted by recent reports from the European Court of Auditors and the Commission.

Von der Leyen's political guidelines suggest the creation of a European AI Research Council to consolidate resources for AI research, potentially funded through the Commission’s Horizon Europe budget. The proposal has been championed by various groups, including the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE), which has advocated for a network of research institutes and a central facility since 2018.

However, the proposal has faced skepticism regarding its financial implications. Critics, including Professor Reinhilde Veugelers, question the necessity of such a large investment without a compelling justification, suggesting a more gradual approach to funding. Meanwhile, the Centre for European Policy Studies has proposed a collaborative effort for trustworthy AI with a budget of €100 to €120 billion over seven years. The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits against the costs of inaction in AI research.