EU approves Important Project on Next Generation Cloud and Edge Computing

The European Commission has approved an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to develop industrial advanced cloud and edge computing technologies among multiple providers in Europe. The IPCEI Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI CIS) is a combined effort of seven member states, including France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

The primary goal of the IPCEI CIS is to establish the first-ever European data processing ecosystem that is both interoperable and openly accessible. This multi-provider cloud-to-edge continuum is expected to open up a wide range of opportunities for European businesses, citizens, and public administrations, thereby promoting digital and green transitions in Europe. The IPCEI CIS comprises 19 projects from 19 companies, including SMEs, all of which will undertake highly innovative projects. The developed software will be open-source, allowing real-time and low-latency services by distributing computing resources close to the user. The participating member states provide up to €1.2 billion in public funding. With an additional expected €1.4 billion in private funding.

The project is anticipated to generate substantial positive spill-over effects for non-participating companies, competitors and end-users across Europe. Furthermore, it will contribute to various EU policy initiatives, such as Europe’s Digital Decade, the European Green Deal, the European Data Strategy, and the 2030 Digital Compass. Digital Decade Strategy  2030 aims at a 75% cloud uptake by EU enterprises and more than 10.000 edge nodes in Europe. ‘With this IPCEI, Europe will reinforce its innovation leadership in next generation data processing service.’, stated the EU Commissioner Thierry Breton.