The Netherlands wants to participate in the IPCEI-AI, the European project in which member states jointly invest in AI for industry. In the 2027 budget, which the cabinet presented on Prinsjesdag, 120 million euros has been set aside for this purpose. AIC4NL has provided substantive advice to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) on the IPCEI-AI and has advocated strongly for Dutch participation.
What is the IPCEI-AI?
IPCEI stands for Important Project of Common European Interest. In such a project, member states, companies, and research institutions collaborate on technology that is too large or too risky for a single country to undertake on its own. Member states may provide these projects with more support than is normally permitted, provided the European Commission approves the project. A group of member states has been preparing the IPCEI-AI since early 2025, under Germany’s coordination. The project encompasses the entire AI value chain, from data and computing infrastructure to foundational models and applications.
Why is this important for the Netherlands?
Europe is still largely dependent on non-European technology when it comes to AI. Through the IPCEI-AI, member states aim to work together to change that. The Netherlands has a strong position in sectors where AI can deliver significant benefits, such as the high-tech and manufacturing industries, logistics, agrifood, healthcare, and energy. Through the IPCEI-AI, organizations from these sectors are collaborating with European partners on new AI models and applications. This aligns with other initiatives in which AIC4NL plays a role, such as the Dutch AI Factory in Groningen.
Participation from the Dutch AI ecosystem
Sufficient interest from the Dutch AI ecosystem—and particularly from industry—is a key prerequisite for successful participation in the IPCEI-AI. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) conducted a survey to gauge interest, which revealed that there is more than enough interest in participating.
AIC4NL supported the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) in the call for expressions of interest and is pleased that the government now intends to set aside funds for this purpose. AIC4NL will continue to support the Dutch AI ecosystem in participating in the IPCEI-AI by providing substantive advice and mobilizing participants. In doing so, we will draw on our strong network of participants.
This reservation is in line with what we advocate in ourposition paperon the European AI industry: targeted investments and a coherent European AI industry policy.
What's next?
Of course, as part of the budget, the allocation requires parliamentary approval, and the European Commission must still give its final approval to the IPCEI-AI as a whole. In addition, there will be a national call for proposals in which Dutch parties can apply for grants for their projects. This call will be published in the Government Gazette and on the RVO website. We’ll keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
