Ireland has joined 18 other EU member states in backing a major European initiative aimed at developing next-generation artificial intelligence technologies and strengthening the continent’s competitiveness in the global AI market.
The Government has signed a joint political declaration supporting an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will support the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies and services.
The initiative aims to create a stronger European AI ecosystem, improve technological resilience and reduce the EU’s reliance on capabilities developed elsewhere.
For Ireland, participation is expected to create opportunities for Irish companies operating in high-value digital and AI sectors, while encouraging innovation, attracting investment and strengthening collaboration with European partners.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said participation would help Irish businesses move further up strategic European value chains.
“With the rapid growth and increasing importance of AI for jobs, industry, and the wider economy, it is essential we continue to invest in innovative Irish-based companies to enable them to move further up strategic EU value chains and become global leaders in this transformative technology,” he said.
Burke added that public funding had been secured and allocated for Ireland’s participation in IPCEIs, including the AI initiative, with the aim of unlocking significant private investment and creating well-paid jobs.
He said Ireland’s competitiveness depended on investing in innovation and working closely with European partners.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth said the initiative would complement Ireland’s efforts to increase the adoption of AI across the economy.
“The projects proposed under IPCEI-AI will ensure we are part of the ambitious plans to establish a sovereign European AI continuum and will be well positioned to capture the enormous opportunities that follow,” she said.
Niamh Smyth said the initiative would complement Ireland’s efforts to increase the adoption of AI across the economy. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
Smyth added that Ireland’s National Digital and AI Strategy aligned closely with the objectives of the initiative, providing a framework for developing the skills, knowledge and infrastructure required to deliver the projects.
Ireland’s participation comes as the Government seeks to position the country to benefit from the economic opportunities presented by AI.