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The EU has launched its most ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) strategy to date: the AI Continent Action Plan. With its sights set on becoming a leader in AI development, this plan will expand infrastructure, increase access to data, and strengthen AI-related skills across Europe.
For employers, particularly those in the tech and AI sectors, the initiative brings new opportunities to access better resources, clearer regulations, and support for hiring international talent with AI expertise.
A Quick Overview of the AI Continent Action Plan
The AI Continent Action Plan focuses on five main priorities:
- Expanding AI computing and data infrastructure
- Improving access to high-quality data
- Supporting AI adoption across key sectors
- Strengthening AI skills and talent development
- Simplifying AI regulations for businesses
These efforts are designed to make AI research and innovation more accessible across Europe, with dedicated support for startups, researchers, and businesses working on AI solutions.
What Employers Should Know About the Plan
A Growing Need for AI Talent
As AI continues to evolve, the need for highly skilled professionals is growing fast. The EU’s plan includes multiple initiatives to support AI education and international hiring:
- AI Skills Academy: Offers training and fellowships in AI and generative AI.
- Talent Pool and MSCA Choose Europe: Support returning European AI researchers and experts, and legal migration pathways for non-EU AI talent.
These measures are designed for the AI sector specifically, but they reflect a broader push toward creating a strong and competitive workforce across the EU.
More Tools and Infrastructure for AI Projects
The EU is investing in 13 new AI Factories and five AI Gigafactories, which will offer access to advanced supercomputing and massive datasets. These sites will be open to startups, researchers, and businesses developing AI solutions.
For companies bringing talent into Europe, this means:
- Access to high-performance tools and data for product development
- Opportunities to engage with AI hubs in major innovation zones
- A growing number of tech-friendly cities with emerging talent pools
Legal Clarity for AI Development
With the AI Act now in force, the EU is working to reduce uncertainty and support AI deployment. A new AI Act Service Desk will serve as a single point of contact for regulatory questions and guidance for companies.
This will help:
- Avoid delays in project approvals, product development or deployment
- Make it easier to plan long-term AI hiring or partnerships
- Offer more confidence to teams working on AI tools and models
The Role of Global Talent Mobility in the Plan
While the AI Continent Action Plan is focused on growing the AI industry, it also recognises that access to international talent is essential. The mobility measures in the plan are targeted at the AI sector, where the need for specialised skills is rising quickly.
For employers hiring in this space, these changes mean more structured legal options for hiring non-EU professionals, public investment in training, and greater support for hiring across borders.
Companies outside of AI may not see direct changes for now, but the emphasis on legal migration and talent development could influence broader workforce policy in the years ahead.
Conclusion
The AI Continent Action Plan is Europe’s most comprehensive strategy for AI to date. Its focus on training and international hiring shows Europe’s belief that AI leadership depends on skilled people.
For companies in AI, this is an opportunity to engage with a more supportive environment for both innovation and cross-border hiring.
Hiring AI talent across Europe?
Jobbatical helps companies bring the best international professionals into the EU with fast, compliant relocation support. We help you move the talent you need without the bureaucracy, handling the full relocation process, from visas to settling in.
Talk to our team for a personalized solution.
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