CSC calls for focus on data infrastructures and sovereignty in EU's AI continent action plan

CSC has submitted statements to the Finnish Parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee and the Transport and Communications Committee regarding the European Commission’s communication on the AI Continent Action Plan. We are pleased to note that Finland’s position highlights the need to invest in AI solutions and disruptive technologies such as high-performance and quantum computing to strengthen the EU’s digital leadership, industrial renewal, and technological sovereignty. Alongside this, we call for a stronger focus on reinforcing European data infrastructures and ensuring European ownership of data.

Investments in European AI solutions and expertise represent a major opportunity for Finland and Europe. In our statement, we address the key areas of the action plan:

Data and Computing Infrastructures

We support Finland’s view on the importance of EuroHPC collaboration for strengthening European R&D competitiveness. Continued investment in the European HPC ecosystem is essential, as no single country can achieve globally competitive capabilities alone. Clear decisions on EuroHPC’s future beyond 2028 should be made soon.

High-performance computing (HPC) is a critical driver of growth and productivity, enabling digitalisation and data-driven research across all scientific fields and industries. AI development, large language models, and quantum technologies all require massive computing power. HPC accelerates innovation in areas such as drug development, climate modeling, and space research

Data

AI development requires access to high-quality data close to computing resources. Finland is a leader in integrating data management and computing. We urge Finland to advocate strongly for European data ownership, particularly for research data, critical technologies, and sensitive personal data such as health information. Europe must reduce dependency on non-European platforms and ensure value creation from its own data.

Shared European data platforms should be treated as strategic infrastructures supporting research, industry, and SMEs. These platforms must keep data and its ownership within Europe and enable interoperability with computing infrastructures.

We also agree with Finland’s position that before creating new structures, existing ones should be fully utilised. This includes established European data spaces (e.g., European Open Science Cloud, EOSC) and the emerging Open Web Index initiative, whose continued funding and operational stability are essential for Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

Innovation and Strategic Use of AI

AI strategies must align with data strategies to ensure competitive European solutions. It is crucial to guarantee that data and computing infrastructures operate as an interoperable ecosystem, including quantum computers, semiconductors, high-speed connectivity, and the competences needed to leverage them. Fully harnessing AI’s potential requires coordinated actions across research, the public sector, and industry.

Europe should lead in developing sustainable, ethical, and transparent AI by leveraging energy-efficient HPC and focusing on solutions for climate, health, and other critical sectors. Europe can differentiate itself in the global AI race by positioning as a leader in responsible, ethical, and open AI development—using technology to strengthen democracy, economic growth, and address global challenges.

To make the EU a successful AI continent, cloud and AI development regulations must promote European data sovereignty and reduce dependencies. European cloud services should be seen as part of this ecosystem, and data federation—controlled decentralisation of data infrastructures—must be developed alongside AI and cloud investments.

When building data centre capacity, it is essential to ensure that benefits do not primarily flow to non-EU actors. Investments should be strategically aligned with Europe’s economic and societal interests, risk management, and energy efficiency. Data centre value creation must be assessed from multiple perspectives, and priority should be given to operators committed to sustainability, technological excellence, and strategic objectives. Only operators meeting these criteria should be eligible for incentives provided by Member States.

Skills

Europe’s success as an AI continent depends on skills, creativity, and understanding of AI. Actions must align with the EU Skills Agenda, including EU Skills Academies and joint training programs in AI, quantum technologies, and data. Society-wide understanding of technology as a horizontal competence is needed across all sectors. Close cross-sector collaboration is essential both at the EU Commission level and nationally.

Innovation is not limited to generative AI or large language models; interdisciplinary approaches are vital for solving global challenges and driving new breakthroughs. Understanding technological transformation and maximising its benefits also requires social sciences and humanities expertise.

Competition for talent is intense. The EU must focus on attracting new talent and retaining existing experts. This requires securing funding for high-quality research environments, including world-class research infrastructures. Flagship infrastructures such as AI factories should be systematically used for skills development and talent attraction to Europe.

Regulation

Regulation must be consistent, predictable, and technology-neutral—enabling digitalisation and innovation rather than restricting them. Barriers to data use in AI development must be removed. For example, the EU General Data Protection Regulation and its fragmented interpretation across Europe create challenges for data-intensive R&D such as AI development. Clearer, research- and innovation-friendly guidelines for interpreting and applying legislation are needed. This applies to all data and AI-related regulation, along with improved access to advisory services.

Conclusion

Finland should actively contribute to implementing the AI Continent vision and securing its benefits nationally. This requires cross-sector cooperation, long-term R&D investments, shared infrastructures, European data ownership, and skills development.