Open-Source AI made in the EU: Why it is a Good Idea

Abstract

This article examines the feasibility and strategic advantages of developing opensource (OS) foundation models within the European Union (EU). Drawing upon recent developments in AI strategies globally, particularly in China, we argue that the EU's robust regulatory framework and commitment to ethical principles uniquely position it to produce trustworthy OS foundation models. Due to stringent regulatory compliance, EU-developed OS foundation models would inherently ensure greater trustworthiness, offering a competitive and ethically aligned alternative to proprietary and foreign models. We conclude by offering concrete recommendations to realise this strategic opportunity through EU initiatives such as the AI Factories and EuroHPC infrastructure, emphasising the EU's potential role in shaping global AI standards.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, European Union, Large language models, Open source, Trust