The European Union has opened a formal tender for up to seven artificial intelligence gigafactories across Europe. According to a European Commission announcement published on July 30, 2026, the initiative is designed to mobilize up to €10 billion in public funding and attract at least €20 billion in private investment. The planned total investment would therefore exceed €30 billion.
What the gigafactory call covers
In this program, “gigafactory” refers to a very large computing facility for developing and running advanced AI models rather than a conventional chip manufacturing plant. The Commission expects the facilities to combine advanced AI processors, software, cloud infrastructure, high-speed connectivity and data-center systems in a single large-scale platform.
The formal call covers as many as seven projects. Applications can come from consortia or special-purpose vehicles bringing together technology providers, cloud companies, public institutions and investors.
€10 billion in public support and €20 billion in private capital
The Commission’s financing model does not expect public funds to cover the entire cost. Up to €10 billion from the EU and participating countries is intended to mobilize at least €20 billion in private capital. The European Commission therefore says the call could unlock more than €30 billion in total investment.
The figures are not completed expenditures. The number of selected projects, the contract terms and the final funding amounts will be decided after the tender evaluation.
Larger than the existing AI factories
The proposed gigafactories are intended to complement AI factories already being developed across Europe. The European Commission expects the new facilities to combine processors, software, cloud technology, high-speed connectivity and data-center systems in a large-scale computing platform.
The capacity is designed to support the training of very large models and demanding scientific or industrial applications. The Commission also wants the infrastructure to serve more than major corporations, providing computing resources for European researchers, startups and institutions.
Selection and implementation
The European Commission will evaluate applications through the tender and identify the projects selected for support in a later phase. Locations, operators and final budgets are not confirmed before that selection is completed. Construction and operating schedules will also depend on contracts and infrastructure work.
Why Europe is making the investment
The Commission describes access to computing power at this scale as a strategic requirement for Europe’s technological sovereignty. The EU wants to expand infrastructure inside the region for companies and research organizations developing artificial intelligence. The initiative is also presented as part of Europe’s effort to narrow its AI infrastructure gap with the United States and China.
The plan’s outcome will depend on more than the announced budget. Suitable consortia must be selected, private capital must materialize, and energy and data-center infrastructure must be prepared. The confirmed development at this stage is that the EU has opened the call for up to seven gigafactories and published the proposed financing framework.
The call does not mean seven completed facilities already exist, and it does not guarantee that every planned euro will be spent. Final projects will emerge only after applications are reviewed and contracts are signed. That distinction keeps the current announcement separate from future construction or operational milestones.
