EU invests in technology: large-scale initiatives announced to strengthen sovereignty

11.09.2025

BRUSSELS – In her annual State of the Union address, delivered in Strasbourg on 10 September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of ambitious technology initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU's technological sovereignty and competitiveness on the global stage. The focus is on artificial intelligence, battery manufacturing and support for innovative start-ups.

Artificial intelligence gigafactories and technological independence

One of the main announcements was the announcement of extensive investments Towards European AI Gigafactories. These hubs will support innovative start-ups in developing, training and deploying next-generation AI models. “European AI is essential for our future independence,” von der Leyen stressed, noting that this technology will contribute to the development of European industry and society, from healthcare to defence. This initiative is part of a broader EU strategy to achieve technological independence and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. As part of this strategy, the EU will also join forces with the private sector, which has already expressed its commitment “European AI & Tech Declaration”.

“Battery Booster” and energy security

Another important direction was “Battery Booster Package” mahus 1,8 billion euros. These funds will be used to promote battery production in Europe, which is critical for energy security and the transition to renewables. “Producing our own renewable energy, combined with battery-based baseload, is the fastest and most cost-effective way to achieve Europe’s security, competitiveness and climate goals,” SolarPower Europe said in a statement. The initiative is also supported by “Made in Europe” establishing a criterion in public procurement that should stimulate demand for European technologies.

The Scale-Up Europe Fund and support for start-ups

To support innovative companies in later stages of development, “Scale-Up Europe Fund”. This multi-billion euro fund, created in partnership with private investors, will make large investments in young, fast-growing companies in critical areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The fund aims to prevent a “brain drain” and promising start-ups leaving Europe in search of funding. It also offers “Industrial Accelerator Act”to accelerate the development of key strategic sectors and technologies. Legislative simplification packages (“omnibus laws”) were also announced, which should reduce bureaucratic costs for European businesses by €8 billion per year.

Context and prospects

All these initiatives were presented within the framework of the general theme of the speech – “Europe’s moment of independence”. Ursula von der Leyen stressed that in the context of global instability and growing competition, Europe must take control of the technologies that power its economy. The announced measures demonstrate the EU’s serious intention to strengthen its position in the global technological race and ensure long-term competitiveness and security. Experts note that the success of these initiatives depends on the speed of their implementation and the effectiveness of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector.