The Stargate project—a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle—has sparked global attention since its January 2025 debut. While initially designed to reinforce U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, the project is now looking beyond American borders. Europe, particularly the UK, Germany, and France, has emerged as a strong candidate for the next phase of expansion.
Stargate is Building America’s AI Backbone
Stargate’s first mega data centre is under construction in Abilene, Texas, and further U.S. sites are already planned. The project launched with a $100 billion funding round, with SoftBank expected to contribute tens of billions in equity and debt. Industry leaders have called it a “vote of confidence in America,” reinforcing the project’s domestic focus.
Yet OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently hinted at broader ambitions. Altman has expressed a desire to bring a Stargate-style initiative to Europe. Sources confirm that the consortium is evaluating the UK, France, and Germany for future sites, though any move across the Atlantic will depend on the U.S. rollout’s success and continued fundraising momentum.
As of now, the core mission remains clear: to build robust, scalable AI infrastructure within the United States.
Why Europe, and Why Now?
Europe’s appeal lies in a mix of factors: top-tier AI research institutions, a mature market, and governments eager to secure high-tech investment. The UK has positioned itself strongly by unveiling the AI Opportunities Action Plan, offering fast-track planning for data centres, improved energy access, and new “Growth Zones” for technology expansion.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration has made AI development a strategic priority. It promises a pro-innovation regulatory environment and open access to public datasets for researchers.
France and Germany are also stepping up. France has attracted more than €100 billion in AI infrastructure commitments in 2025. Meanwhile, Germany is leveraging national AI hubs and EU projects to accelerate its development efforts. The European Commission has pledged increased investment in AI infrastructure and hinted at streamlining parts of the sweeping EU AI Act to make Europe more attractive to tech giants.
Europe’s Competitive Response—and Its Constraints
Europe is not standing still. The EU’s €200 billion InvestAI initiative and the “AI Champions” coalition are aiming to channel public and private capital into AI infrastructure. Plans for four “AI gigafactories” underscore Europe’s ambition.
Still, the Stargate project dwarfs even Europe’s boldest efforts. The scale and speed of Stargate have exposed the limits of Europe’s fragmented and often bureaucratic approach. While the EU AI Act is pioneering, its complex compliance framework may hinder rapid deployment of foreign-led mega projects.
To keep pace, European institutions must balance innovation with digital sovereignty. Allowing a U.S.-backed consortium to build critical infrastructure raises flags around autonomy, data governance, and long-term control. Public scrutiny may also intensify over the environmental impact of data centres, which consume significant energy and water.
European startups are voicing concerns, too. A Stargate expansion could intensify competition for AI talent, driving up costs and worsening regional talent gaps.
Stargate: A Strategic Inflection Point for Europe
Stargate’s interest in Europe presents a strategic opportunity—but also a test. For OpenAI and its partners, the move would open access to new talent pools, markets, and political goodwill. For Europe, the project could be a wake-up call to double down on investment, accelerate regulatory reform, and reconcile innovation with digital sovereignty.
The UK, France, and Germany each offer compelling advantages—from regulatory incentives to strong academic ecosystems. A European Stargate presence would help the consortium build resilience, tap into regional strengths, and ensure access to local data.
Ultimately, success hinges not just on favorable policies and infrastructure readiness. It will depend on whether the Stargate consortium can earn trust, address sovereignty concerns, and align with Europe’s values on sustainability, data control, and technological autonomy.
