Here is the rewritten content without changing its meaning, retaining the original length, and keeping proper headings and titles as required:

Europe Will Not Play Catch-Up in the Global AI Race

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared at the AI Action Summit in Paris that Europe has no intention of playing catch-up in the global AI race.

The AI Race is Far from Over

While the US and China are often seen as frontrunners, von der Leyen emphasized that the AI race "is far from over" and that Europe has distinct strengths to carve a leading role for itself.

Europe’s Unique Approach to AI

This is the third summit on AI safety in just over one year, von der Leyen remarked. In the same period, three new generations of ever more powerful AI models have been released. Some expect models that will approach human reasoning within a year’s time.

The Urgency of Action

The European Commission President set the tone of the event by contrasting the groundwork laid in previous summits with the urgency of this one. "Past summits focused on laying the groundwork for AI safety. Together, we built a shared consensus that AI will be safe, that it will promote our values and benefit humanity. But this Summit is focused on action. And that is exactly what we need right now."

A Vision for the Future

As the world witnesses AI’s disruptive power, von der Leyen urged Europe to "formulate a vision of where we want AI to take us, as society and as humanity." Growing adoption, "in the key sectors of our economy, and for the key challenges of our times," provides a golden opportunity for the continent to lead, she argued.

The Case for a European Approach

Von der Leyen rejected notions that Europe has fallen behind its global competitors. "Too often, I hear that Europe is late to the race – while the US and China have already got ahead. I disagree," she stated. "The frontier is constantly moving. And global leadership is still up for grabs."

Doubling Down on Europe’s Strengths

Instead of replicating what other regions are doing, she called for doubling down on Europe’s unique strengths to define the continent’s distinct approach to AI. "Too often, I have heard that we should replicate what others are doing and run after their strengths," she said. "I think that instead, we should invest in what we can do best and build on our strengths here in Europe, which are our science and technology mastery that we have given to the world."

The European Brand of AI

Von der Leyen defined three pillars of the so-called "European brand of AI" that sets it apart: 1) focusing on high-complexity, industry-specific applications, 2) taking a cooperative, collaborative approach to innovation, and 3) embracing open-source principles. "This summit shows there is a distinct European brand of AI," she asserted. "It is already driving innovation and adoption. And it is picking up speed."

Accelerating Innovation: AI Factories and Gigafactories

To maintain its competitive edge, Europe must supercharge its AI innovation, von der Leyen stressed. A key component of this strategy lies in its computational infrastructure. Europe already boasts some of the world’s fastest supercomputers, which are now being leveraged through the creation of "AI factories."

A Record 12 AI Factories

"In just a few months, we have set up a record of 12 AI factories," von der Leyen revealed. "And we are investing €10 billion in them. This is not a promise—it is happening right now, and it is the largest public investment for AI in the world, which will unlock over ten times more private investment."

AI Gigafactories: A New Era of Collaboration

Beyond these initial steps, von der Leyen unveiled an even more ambitious initiative. AI gigafactories, built on the scale of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, will provide the infrastructure needed for training AI systems at unprecedented scales. They aim to foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

Building Trust with the AI Act

Crucially, von der Leyen reiterated Europe’s commitment to making AI safe and trustworthy. She pointed to the EU AI Act as the cornerstone of this strategy, framing it as a harmonised framework to replace fragmented national regulations across member states.

A Harmonised Framework

"The AI Act [will] provide one single set of safety rules across the European Union – 450 million people – instead of 27 different national regulations," she said, before acknowledging businesses’ concerns about regulatory complexities.

Cutting Red Tape

"At the same time, I know, we have to make it easier, we have to cut red tape. And we will," von der Leyen said.

€200 Billion to Remain in the AI Race

Financing such ambitious plans naturally requires significant resources. Von der Leyen praised the recently launched EU AI Champions Initiative, which has already pledged €150 billion from providers, investors, and industry.

A Complementary Initiative

During her speech at the summit, von der Leyen announced the Commission’s complementary InvestAI initiative that will bring in an additional €50 billion. Altogether, the result is mobilising a massive €200 billion in public-private AI investments.

Ethical AI is a Global Responsibility

Von der Leyen closed her address by framing Europe’s AI ambitions within a broader, humanitarian perspective, arguing that ethical AI is a global responsibility.

A Message of Inclusivity

"Cooperative AI can be attractive well beyond Europe, including for our partners in the Global South," she proclaimed, extending a message of inclusivity.

Ensuring Widespread Access

Von der Leyen expressed full support for the AI Foundation launched at the summit, highlighting its mission to ensure widespread access to AI’s benefits.

A Force for Good

"AI can be a gift to humanity. But we must make sure that benefits are widespread and accessible to all," she remarked.

The European Way

"We want AI to be a force for good. We want an AI where everyone collaborates and everyone benefits. That is our path – our European way."

See Also:

AI Action Summit: Leaders call for unity and equitable development