On April 14, 2025, OpenAI released a set of proposals titled EU Economic Plan, a strategic framework aimed at fostering the development and responsible adoption of AI on the old continent. This plan is intended as a response to the specific challenges faced by the European Union in a context where AI is becoming a central driver of global economic transformation.
The approach adopted by OpenAI is based on four guiding principles.
The first emphasizes the need to strengthen the material and human foundations of European AI: computing infrastructure, data access, energy management, and talent development. This foundation is presented as essential to avoid increasing dependence on major non-European technological powers.
The second principle calls for a simplification of the digital regulatory framework. The current environment is deemed fragmented and sometimes counterproductive for innovative companies. In this perspective, harmonizing rules across the single market is considered a prerequisite for investment attractiveness and the competitiveness of European companies in the AI field.
The widespread adoption of AI across all economic and social sectors constitutes the third pillar of the plan. OpenAI highlights the importance of large-scale digital acculturation, a sine qua non condition for AI to benefit both large companies and SMEs, public services, and citizens. The challenge is twofold: to ensure the economic impact of AI while ensuring increased social inclusion.
The fourth principle concerns building a relationship of trust between users and AI technologies. This trust is based on the transparency of tools, their ability to be personalized according to individual needs, and their compliance with European values and fundamental rights.
This approach aims to legitimize the dissemination of AI tools in everyday life, in a spirit of shared responsibility between public and private actors.
To achieve these goals, OpenAI proposes several structuring actions:
  • A scale-up plan for AI computing, aiming for a 300% increase in capacity by 2030; 
  • The creation of an AI acceleration fund endowed with one billion euros to support high-impact pilot projects; 
  • Large-scale training: educating 100 million Europeans in fundamental AI skills by 2030 through freely accessible online courses; 
  • A youth AI initiative: funded by the EU, it would support the development of AI applications designed jointly with young people. 
This master plan is part of a logic of adaptability. Aware of the rapid pace of technological innovation, OpenAI conceives this framework not as a fixed document but as an evolving canvas, intended to be adjusted through interactions with European governments and ecosystem stakeholders.
Convinced that with the right vision and execution, Europe can leverage AI to solve the greatest challenges of our time, from improving healthcare and education to driving the green transition, and doing so for the benefit of everyone, the company concludes its document with:
"We are optimistic about the future of AI in Europe. In just two years, our technology has become an essential and appreciated part of the lives of millions of European citizens. We have opened our first office in Paris, established our regional headquarters in Ireland, set up an office in Brussels to collaborate with EU officials, and are now opening an office in Munich.
We see immense potential in the talent and momentum present in Europe and look forward to strengthening our growing partnerships here. We are ready to play our role – whether in collaborating on research, providing new powerful tools, or working on essential infrastructures – so that Europe can access the best AI capabilities."
 
 

Translated from EU Economic Blueprint : les recommandations d'OpenAI pour permettre à l’UE de saisir le potentiel de l’IA

To better understand

What are the advantages and challenges of harmonizing the digital regulatory framework within the European Union in the context of AI?

Harmonizing the digital regulatory framework within the EU aims to create a more attractive single market for investment and innovation. It reduces legislative fragmentation, thus facilitating the development and deployment of AI technologies across member states. However, the challenge lies in reconciling diverse national interests and establishing common standards that are accepted by all stakeholders.

Why is energy management crucial for the development of AI infrastructure in Europe?

Energy management is crucial for developing AI infrastructure because data centers and supercomputers consume significant amounts of energy. In Europe, this not only involves implementing sustainable energy solutions but also integrating energy efficiency into system designs to limit carbon footprint and operational costs while ensuring technological competitiveness.