The Spanish government has unveiled a €150m subsidy programme aimed at advancing the use of AI within businesses. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the new funding this week, signalling the country’s intent to further integrate AI across industries and foster technological growth.
This initiative comes as Spain looks to deepen its adoption of AI, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and logistics, where the technology is expected to have a significant impact. By encouraging AI adoption, the Spanish government aims to boost productivity, stimulate innovation, and create new business opportunities, ultimately positioning Spain as a key player in AI development within the European market.
Broader European efforts to promote AI
The Spanish government’s push for AI adoption comes at a time when several European nations are also ramping up efforts to enhance their digital infrastructure and remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Earlier this month, the Dutch government began discussions with tech giants Nvidia and AMD to procure hardware and expertise for an AI-focused research facility. This facility, which will house a supercomputer, aims to bolster AI research and innovation in the Netherlands, contributing to the country’s strategic digital goals. In 2024, the Netherlands allocated €204.5m for AI investments as part of its AINEd programme, which focuses on AI-driven innovation and expansion.
On the European Union (EU) front, significant funding has been earmarked to foster AI research and development. In November 2024, the EU announced an investment of €180m through the Horizon Europe Programme to support breakthrough digital technologies, including AI, robotics, and new materials. This initiative aligns with the EU’s goals of transitioning to a more digital, sustainable, and inclusive future.
In addition, the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has made strides in setting up AI Factories across Europe. The €1.5bn investment will see the establishment of advanced AI research facilities in several member states. These AI Factories are a key component of the EU’s strategy to build a thriving AI ecosystem and train advanced AI models. Furthermore, in January 2024, the European Commission launched the AI Innovation Package to support startups and small businesses working on trustworthy AI. A key initiative under this package, GenAI4EU, aims to stimulate the development and uptake of generative AI across Europe’s strategic industrial sectors.
To ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, the Council of Europe has introduced a legally binding international treaty. The Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, signed in September 2024, establishes guidelines for AI’s alignment with democratic values and human rights. The treaty has been signed by countries such as the UK, Israel, and the US, as well as several Council of Europe member states.
Read more: Council of Europe launches first legally binding AI treaty to protect human rights and democracy
