Since 2018, CAIRNE has worked to strengthen Europe’s AI ecosystem by:

Supporting collaboration across European AI research and innovation communities

CAIRNE has helped connect researchers and innovators across national, institutional and disciplinary boundaries. Through the CAIRNE-led VISION project, it coordinated collaboration among the first four European Networks of Excellence in AI, organising joint activities such as community workshops and cross-network Theme Development Workshops.

Increasing the visibility of European AI excellence and success stories

CAIRNE has used its communication channels, extensive network and relationships with journalists to highlight the achievements of European researchers, institutions, startups and collaborative initiatives. Its impact is reflected in sustained coverage by leading international and national publications, documented in CAIRNE’s media coverage archive.

Promoting trustworthy, human-centred and sovereign approaches to AI

From its original European Vision for AI to its 2023 statement, “AI made in Europe: boost it or lose it”, CAIRNE has consistently advocated for AI that reflects European values, serves society and strengthens Europe’s technological sovereignty. These messages have also reached wider audiences through extensive European and international media coverage.

Contributing to European policy and strategic discussions on AI

CAIRNE has brought the perspectives of Europe’s AI research community into strategic debates through recommendations, position papers, consultations and direct engagement with policymakers. Examples include its response to the European Commission’s White Paper on AI, its feedback on the proposed EU AI regulation, and its recommendations for a European AI public-private partnership.

Connecting research, industry, startups and decision-makers

CAIRNE has brought the perspectives of Europe’s AI research community into strategic debates through recommendations, position papers, consultations and direct engagement with policymakers. Examples include its response to the European Commission’s White Paper on AI, its feedback on the proposed EU AI regulation, and its recommendations for a European AI public-private partnership.

Supporting large-scale European cooperation through projects, events, dissemination and community-building

CAIRNE has participated in European projects and organised conferences, workshops, consultations and networking activities that translate its network into concrete opportunities for cooperation. Its work through VISION, the ICT-48 community workshops, and strategic events such as Europe’s Moonshot Ambitions for AI illustrates the breadth of this contribution.

Concretely, CAIRNE has helped drive the European debate on AI sovereignty and the critical need for shared AI infrastructure. The development of this vision can be traced from its founding vision in 2018, through subsequent statements and strategic proposals, to the 2025 open letter, “Now is the time to create a CERN for AI”, and the resulting European and international media discussion. CAIRNE’s work has also contributed to key elements of the EU AI landscape, including the Networks of Excellence, AI Factories, the European AI, Data and Robotics Partnership, and aspects of the EU AI Act.