On 16 January 2026, the Council of the EU formally adopted the amended EuroHPC regulation. With this decision, the legal framework has been created for the establishment of AI gigafactories under the EuroHPC programme. It is a milestone that concludes years of negotiations and opens the door to large-scale European AI infrastructure.
Regulation 2026/150 introduces the new Article 12b, which specifically governs the establishment and financing of AI gigafactories. For the first time, a European framework is provided for multi-site, multi-country AI infrastructure. This means that consortia from multiple member states can jointly build and operate gigafactories within a harmonised legal framework.
The regulation provides for the establishment of up to five AI gigafactories, each equipped with a minimum of 100,000 AI processors. The EU contributes a maximum of 17% of total capital expenditure (CAPEX), with participating member states matching at least the same amount. The remainder of the financing comes from private parties and other public sources.
As the European Commission emphasises, this regulation significantly strengthens European capabilities in AI and quantum computing. It provides not only financing, but also a governance structure that ensures the gigafactories serve a public interest.
The formal call for consortia is expected in Q1 2026 via the EuroHPC Governing Board. Sovereign AI-Grid, as a multi-site consortium in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, is preparing for this call. With operational sites, contracted grid connections, and a strong partner network, the consortium stands ready to play a leading role in European AI infrastructure.
Learn more about our consortium or become a partner.