Europe's AI Advantage Threatened Without Secure, Private Infrastructure

As the European Union progresses in implementing the AI Act and a broader strategy to enhance and facilitate the deployment of Artificial Intelligence and cloud infrastructure among member states, organizations find themselves under pressure to ensure their IT infrastructure can keep pace with increasing operational demands, geopolitical pressures, and regulatory requirements. While these initiatives aim to boost competitiveness and reduce administrative burdens, much will depend on how coordination is implemented on the ground. Discussions around AI have evolved beyond mere promises of innovation; today, it is about scalability, security, and operational readiness.

Secure Infrastructure as a Crucial Factor in AI Success

Companies are investing heavily in generative AI, automation, and AI-driven decision-making, anticipating transformative results ranging from operational efficiency to new services. The truth is that digital infrastructure is the foundation for all AI deployment; algorithms or data alone are not enough. AI workloads demand superior computing power, seamless data access, and robust compliance controls, all while managing costs effectively. Without an efficient cloud foundation, how infrastructure is built, maintained, and optimized will determine whether these investments succeed or turn into yet more silos, and whether the EU will achieve its strategic goals for developing the right infrastructure that will boost cloud and AI success in Europe. The stakes are high: 48% of IT leaders in EMEA report wasting at least 25% of their cloud spending, and 90% prioritize cost predictability. Infrastructure can either accelerate AI adoption or create bottlenecks, leaving organizations grappling with untapped investments, performance issues, escalating costs, and serious questions about regulatory compliance and sovereignty. Indeed, 51% of global organizations are repatriating workloads to a private cloud due to security or compliance concerns, underscoring the importance of robust and well-governed infrastructure in realizing AI's potential.

Scalability and Operational Resilience in AI Environments