European AI & Cloud Forum 2026: discover EU-funded projects advancing AI and cloud technologies

The European AI & Cloud Summit 2026, held in Cologne from 5–7 May 2026, focused on the convergence of artificial intelligence, Microsoft Azure, cloud security, and enterprise digital transformation. 

Key themes included generative AI adoption, AI governance, responsible AI, cloud-native development, cybersecurity, and enterprise-scale AI integration. Sessions explored Azure AI Foundry, OpenAI integrations, AI agents, semantic kernel technologies, Kubernetes, DevOps automation, observability, and cost optimisation. A major emphasis was placed on compliance with the EU AI Act and the development of trustworthy, ethical AI systems suitable for regulated industries. 

The themes explored at the event are already being put into practice by two ongoing HaDEA-managed projects, funded under the Digital Europe Programme: 

• Advanced Cloud and High-performance computing Education for a Valiant Europe (ACHIEVE) is designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies (particularly AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity) across European businesses, with a strong focus on SMEs and public sector organisations. Led by a consortium of industry leaders, research institutions, and digital innovation hubs, ACHIEVE aims to bridge the digital divide by providing tailored training, hands-on support, and access to cutting-edge tools that empower organisations to harness AI and cloud solutions effectively.
  At its core, ACHIEVE aligns with the EU’s digital sovereignty goals, fostering trustworthy AI and secure, interoperable cloud infrastructures. The project delivers practical use cases, such as AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and cloud-based collaboration platforms, demonstrating how these technologies can enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and innovation. By leveraging Microsoft Azure and other EU-compliant cloud frameworks, ACHIEVE ensures that businesses can deploy scalable, GDPR-aligned solutions while mitigating risks like data breaches or algorithmic bias.
• EMAI4EU (EMotion Artificial Intelligence specialists for EUrope) is addressing one of today’s digital skills challenges: ensuring that learners, professionals, and organisations have access to advanced education in Artificial Intelligence, with a special focus on Emotion AI and Affective Computing. As AI becomes increasingly present in everyday life, the ability to design systems that can understand, interpret, and respond to human emotions remains a cutting-edge frontier. EMAI4EU responds to this challenge by building a European educational ecosystem that connects universities, research centres, and innovative industry partners.
  The project supports the next generation of AI specialists through a double-degree Master’s programme, flexible self-standing learning modules, international mobility, strong industry engagement, and a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. By combining technical excellence with human-centred thinking, EMAI4EU helps students and professionals gain practical skills, access new learning opportunities, and contribute to Europe’s future in trustworthy, emotion-aware, and human-centric AI.

Background

The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) aims to build the strategic digital capacities of the EU and to facilitate the wide deployment of digital technologies. With an overall budget of €8.1 billion, out of which €0.8 billion is managed by HaDEA, the programme will support investments in the following sectors:

• High Performance Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity and Trust
• Advanced digital skills
• Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability
• Semiconductors

HaDEA manages projects under Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Digital Skills and Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability.