EU Must Modernise Energy Infrastructure to Match AI Ambitions – MEP McNamara
Independent MEP for Ireland South Michael McNamara, Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s AI Working Group, has called on EU officials to rapidly address Europe’s energy infrastructure priorities to support artificial intelligence development across the Union.
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“EU energy policy has focused almost exclusively on traditional large energy users. If Europe wants to be a leader in AI, that must change,” McNamara said. “We need serious investment in energy capacity and grid infrastructure at a European and national level. The Commission has placed significant strategic importance on AI development, but such aims cannot advance without sufficient energy solutions in place to support them.”
Speaking at Politico’s AI & Tech Summit in Brussels, McNamara also cautioned against the idea of EU institutions selecting a single “champion” for AI, urging instead for a more open and inclusive approach to innovation.
“Innovation is global,” he said. “The European Commission should not attempt to choose a champion. Instead, it must create the conditions for talent, research, and entrepreneurship to thrive across Europe and beyond. AI excellence will come from a diversity of ideas, not a single centre of control.”
