The public-private initiative aims to mobilize approximately 30 billion euros, with one-third funded by public administrations, to "accelerate the continent's technological sovereignty." The selection process will close on November 12, with winners expected to be announced in early 2027.
Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Henna Virkkunen, stated that the announcement represents a "milestone in the EU's ambitions," deeming the facilities strategic.
The call is divided into two lots based on the number of processors. The first lot will fund four projects requiring a minimum of 75,000 processors, while the second lot will support three proposals each needing over 100,000 processors. The Móra la Nova bid aims for this second category, competing with projects from countries such as Germany, Greece, and Italy.
Community sources anticipate the formation of consortia among member states to finance a larger number of cross-border projects. The Iberian candidacy, shared between Móra la Nova and San Fernando de Henares (Madrid), with the support of Portugal, is an example of a collaborative proposal.
Jesús Álvarez, mayor of Móra la Nova and spokesperson for the project's driving team, celebrates the opening of the application period, stating the team is ready to adjust the project to the final requirements.
The Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau, explained that the candidacy aims to make Catalonia a "benchmark" in AI and ensure territorial balance, positioning the Terres de l'Ebre region as a primary "hub" for economic leadership.
