The EU invests in technology: extensive initiatives announced to strengthen sovereignty
11.09.2025
BRÜSSEL – In her annual State of the European Union address, delivered on 10 September 2025 in Strasbourgis, Euroopa Komisjoni president Ursula von der Leyen announced several ambitious technology initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU's technological sovereignty and competitiveness on the global stage. The focus is on artificial intelligence, battery production, and support for innovative start-ups.
Artificial intelligence gigafactories and technological independence
One of the main announcements was the unveiling of extensive investments in European AI gigafactories (AI Gigafactories). These centres will support innovative start-ups in developing, training and deploying next-generation artificial intelligence models. “European artificial intelligence 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 the EU's broader strategy to achieve technological independence and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. As part of this strategy, the EU is also joining forces with the private sector, which has already expressed its commitments the “European AI & Tech Declaration”.
“Battery Booster” and energy security
Another important area was “Battery support package” (Battery Booster Package) mahus 1,8 miljardit eurot. These funds will be directed towards promoting battery production in Europe, which is critical for energy security and the transition to renewable energy sources. “Domestic renewable energy production 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. This initiative is also supported by “Made in Europe” (Made in Europe) criterion in public procurement, which is expected to stimulate demand for European technologies.
The “Scale-Up Europe” fund and support for startups
To support innovative companies at later stages of development, a the “Scale-Up Europe Fund”. This multi-billion-euro fund, to be established in cooperation with private investors, will make major investments in young, fast-growing companies in critical fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. The fund aims to prevent a “brain drain” and promising startups from leaving Europe in search of funding. In addition, a the “Industrial Accelerator Act”, to accelerate the development of key strategic sectors and technologies. Legislative simplification packages (“omnibus laws”) were also announced, which are expected to reduce bureaucratic costs for European companies by 8 billion euros per year.
Context and outlook
All these initiatives were presented within the framework of the speech's overarching theme—“Europe's Independence Moment.” Ursula von der Leyen stressed that amid 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 technology race and ensure long-term competitiveness and security. Experts note that the success of these initiatives will depend on the speed of their implementation and the effectiveness of cooperation between public institutions and the private sector.
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