Belgium is applying to host one of Europe’s first AI factories.
These so-called “new generation supercomputers,” fully optimized for AI workloads, are part of a broader European ambition to strengthen technological sovereignty and innovation.
AI will fundamentally affect our economy, society and geopolitical position. And it is happening faster than many think. Only with strategic direction, investment and scalable infrastructure can we as a country help make a difference.
Without physical AI infrastructure, ambitions remain abstract. Now is the time to build – together with government, energy partners and knowledge institutions – a robust digital foundation.
The candidacy, submitted by federal minister Vanessa Matz in cooperation with the regions, pushes forward two locations – each with existing high-performance data center infrastructure:
Zellik (with the Green Energy Park and Penta Infra data center infrastructure) and Charleroi (where the Tier-1 Lucia system is already operational).
An opportunity for Belgium
The project represents an investment of 80 million euros, half of which may be borne by Europe. But the stakes are more than financial. It is a clear signal that Belgium is strategically positioning itself in the AI era.
By making this infrastructure publicly accessible – to researchers, businesses and governments – AI development will be embedded in a broader social and economic framework.
From ambition to application
The AI factory should enable concrete social applications. Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele names among others:
o personalized medicine
o more efficient food production
o smarter energy distribution
o safe and reliable AI in the manufacturing industry
“These are solutions that strengthen our Flemish competitiveness,” Diependaele states. “In addition, the intention is also to build expertise around AI data centers.”
The plan is supported by imec, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and several universities, among others.
The candidacy falls within the European Commission’s EuroHPC program. A total of 13 AI plants are eligible, spread across the EU. A decision is expected in the fall.
What is striking is that both federal and regional governments are acting together in the project. This is crucial because AI requires cooperation across all levels – and anchoring in a high-performance ecosystem.
As BDIA, we support this approach, and continue to invest in connection: between policy, infrastructure players, researchers and industry.
BDIA’s vision
At BDIA, we welcome this candidacy as an affirmation of our core mission: digital infrastructure is not a neutral carpet pad, but a strategic foundation for growth and resilience.
We are actively building an ecosystem in which data centers, connectivity and cloud:
o are locally anchored and contribute to digital sovereignty
o are deployed as an engine for economic resilience
o are developed in a future-oriented and sustainable way, with an eye for climate impact and social added value
AI requires more than talent and algorithms alone. It requires a powerful, sustainable and scalable infrastructure that delivers computing power where it counts – for medical innovation, public AI, national security and industry.
Therefore, as a federation, we continue to actively build bridges between policy, infrastructure players, researchers and industry. Only then will we make Belgium a digital leader in Europe.
Digital infrastructure as social engine
Federal Minister Matz emphasizes the public role of this AI factory:
“It is an instrument at the service of society and research. Researchers, start-ups, SMEs and our public services will have free access to it.”
She links this to a clear European vision: “If we want an ethical, reliable AI that respects our values, we must support its development here in Europe.”
“Digital infrastructure deserves its place at the heart of policy and strategy – not on the sidelines.
If we want AI and digital innovation to really contribute to our economy, society and values, we need to anchor them in a strong and forward-looking foundation.”
– Belgian Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA)
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