Dutch AI Coalition Calls for European Action in Response to U.S. AI Strategy
The Hague, Saturday, 25 January 2025.
The Dutch AI Coalition urges Europe to bolster its AI efforts to compete with significant U.S. investments and maintain a technological edge.
Strategic Response to U.S. Initiatives
AI Coalition 4 NL, the Netherlands’ leading public-private AI partnership, has issued an urgent call for European action in response to recent U.S. developments. The coalition’s chairman, Willem Jonker, emphasized the critical need for substantial investments in building a European AI industry and stricter enforcement of EU data and AI regulations [1]. This response comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of initiatives aimed at making America ‘the world capital of artificial intelligence,’ including a massive $500 billion infrastructure collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle [1].
Dutch Leadership in AI Innovation
The newly formed AI Coalition 4 NL, established on January 1, 2025, through the merger of the Dutch AI Coalition and AiNed, represents the largest AI community in the Netherlands [2]. The coalition brings together major corporations like Shell, KPN, and Philips, alongside universities and research institutions [1]. Operating from The Hague, the organization serves as a catalyst for AI development and implementation across the Netherlands [2]. Their approach emphasizes responsible AI development while maintaining Dutch and European values [2].
Immediate Action Plans
The coalition is actively demonstrating its commitment through concrete initiatives. An immediate focus is the upcoming ICT&health World Conference at MECC Maastricht from January 28 to 30, 2025 [5], where the coalition will showcase AI applications in healthcare and discuss international cooperation with partners from Finland, Denmark, and Germany [2]. These discussions will specifically address how to navigate AI development within the framework of European regulations while maintaining competitiveness [2].
Looking Ahead
The organization’s strategic response includes the development of essential AI infrastructure through initiatives like the proposed Dutch AI factory. As Willem Jonker stated, ‘AI is too important to leave to a few major players’ [2]. The coalition emphasizes the importance of making strategic choices about independent development versus collaboration [2]. This approach aligns with their broader mission to position the Netherlands as a leader in responsible AI development while fostering international cooperation within the European framework [2].