Next steps for elected officials · BOL-E-0001

In brief

Europe's AI programs are reported mostly by what is announced. The editorial proposes judging them by what is delivered.

For any AI program in your jurisdiction, ask for figures at each stage:

For party leadership, your group and colleagues:

“Where do we stand on using European savings to finance AI, and with what safeguards for savers?”
“Should we commit to reporting AI investment by stage, announced to impact, wherever we govern?”
“How does this fit our growth agenda for the next EU budget negotiations?”

These test the editorial's own argument at its strongest. Put them to Blue Ocean Labs as well.

“What is the strongest case that Europe should regulate and buy AI from abroad rather than build its own capacity?”
“Is the EU–US venture capital gap overstated, given that European companies rely more on bank and public finance?”
“If the EIC Fund has improved since 2022, what independent evidence shows it?”
“Could a new European fund move faster than reforming existing institutions, and what would that cost?”
“What does it cost Europe to act too late, and what does it cost to act badly?”

For AI Factories, AI Gigafactories and InvestAI, what has been allocated and deployed so far, and what capabilities are operational?
What follow-up has been given to the Court of Auditors' 2024 recommendations on AI coordination and monitoring?
How will the Commission measure whether InvestAI mobilizes its €200 billion target?

How much of our national contribution to supercomputing and AI Factories has been deployed?
How does our national promotional bank coordinate with the European Investment Fund and InvestEU on AI growth financing?

Are AI infrastructure projects in our area judged on use and demand, or on construction announcements?
Which public institutions (hospitals, administrations, transport operators) could serve as reference customers through procurement?

Growth: financing for companies to scale up.
Savings and capital markets: the €440 billion Euro area households hold in US tech companies.
Security: dependence on technology controlled elsewhere.
Public services: procurement.

Briefings are available to any elected official or staff member, regardless of party. Write to info@blueoceanlabs.io, subject “BOL-E-0001 briefing”.

AI Act implementation and EU AI policy: European AI Office, European Commission.
Access to AI Factories and their services: EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, Consult an Expert.
The EIC Fund: European Innovation Council, “What is your question about?”.
InvestEU and the European Tech Champions Initiative: European Investment Fund.
Audit findings and their follow-up: European Court of Auditors.
The generator procurement case: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).