The European Commission is planning a European tender for AI gigafactories, open to companies outside the EU, according to Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski, speaking to the Polish Press Agency. He noted that Poland remains committed to the Baltic gigafactory project, despite Estonia and Latvia withdrawing.
In February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an EU fund to finance five AI gigafactories aimed at deploying large models and AI applications at an unprecedented scale. The establishment of these gigafactories is contingent upon ongoing regulatory developments by the Commission. In June, Poland, along with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, formed the Baltic AI GigaFactory consortium, which received European Commission approval in July, with the Czech Republic joining in November.
Standerski stated that the regulations are evolving, indicating a shift from the initial plans for member states to collaborate with consortia, to a European tender approach. “This means the EU will procure AI gigafactories similarly to how it purchases office supplies, allowing only companies to apply for the construction,” he explained. Multiple companies can form a consortium for a single gigafactory bid.
Regarding the Baltic gigafactory, Standerski confirmed ongoing support from the Ministry of Digital Affairs for the consortium and companies interested in the tender. A meeting with entrepreneurs and representatives from Polish locations involved in the project is scheduled to discuss ongoing efforts. He added that the Czech Republic and Lithuania are still interested in collaborating, while Estonia and Latvia seek alternative opportunities.
Standerski expressed gratitude for the collaboration among Baltic states and noted the growing network of over 270 companies involved in the consortium. He highlighted that recent proposals from the European Commission require member states to commit funds upfront for gigafactories, with Poland’s contribution estimated at 17.5% of the total budget, though specifics remain unclear.
He questioned whether this funding model favors wealthier EU countries, describing it as an unfair shortcut. On the potential for global tech companies to join the European tender, he noted that there are currently no restrictions against non-EU firms in the Commission’s draft regulations.
Standerski mentioned that while he refrains from speculating on lobbying influences, he is disappointed by the Commission’s shift away from an ambitious investment vision for the EU. He pledged Poland’s continued advocacy for gigafactories within European consortia and collaboration with other nations to support this initiative.
Despite the more challenging landscape due to regulatory changes, Standerski assured that the Ministry of Digital Affairs would strive to present a competitive Polish offer. A meeting with the Ministry of Finance regarding the gigafactory budget is planned for early January, with official regulations expected from the European Commission in late January.
Originally, Poland was set to contribute around 550 million euros to the Baltic gigafactory over several years. The European Commission has allowed for two major locations and multiple smaller sites. The Ministry is considering five potential sites in Poland based on infrastructure and power access.
Standerski addressed community concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, ensuring that site selection would prioritize locations away from populated areas. He emphasized that local authorities would make final decisions regarding permits and environmental assessments.
In February, von der Leyen revealed the EU InvestAI fund, with a 20 billion euro budget, to finance the gigafactories, following the submission of 76 applications from 16 member states, including Poland. The projected cost for the Baltic AI GigaFactory is approximately 3 billion euros, sourcing 65% from the private sector and 35% from public sector contributions.
The European Commission envisions AI factories as ecosystems fostering innovation and collaboration, with plans for thirteen such facilities across the EU. Poland’s first AI factory, Gaia AI Factory, is underway in Kraków, with another named Piast-AI planned for Poznań.
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