01 April 2025

On 25 March 2025, the European Internet Forum hosted a lunch debate titled “AI and Connectivity: Empowering AI and Empowering Networks” at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event, moderated by MEP Angelika Winzig, brought together policymakers and industry experts to explore the symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity infrastructure in Europe. 

AI and connectivity: empowering AI and empowering networks

In her opening remarks, MEP Angelika Winzig underscored the critical importance of robust digital networks for Europe’s leadership in AI. She emphasized that achieving the ambitious objectives set out by the Digital Decade and implementing the AI Act present a significant opportunity for Europe to harness cutting-edge network technology. The integration of AI into network management and security was highlighted as a means to enhance the quality of European digital networks, thereby supporting broader digitalization goals. 

Matteo Quattrocchi, Head of EU AI Policy at Cisco Systems, discussed the transformative potential of AI-powered networks in managing and supporting Europe’s growing connectivity needs. He pointed out that AI can make communication networks more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. Quattrocchi also noted that policymakers have an important role to play in overcoming barriers and supporting broader digitalization goals.

Dean Bubley, Founder of Disruptive Analysis, highlighted the necessity of excellent connectivity within and between data centres, as well as with end-users and enterprises, to fully realize the benefits of AI. He advocated for a dense mesh of interconnections to enable a resilient, vibrant, multi-model, multi-network fabric. Bubley cautioned that innovation could be hindered if new bottlenecks, such as interconnect gatekeepers, are allowed to emerge.

Dr. Jakob Greiner, Vice President of European Affairs at Deutsche Telekom, emphasized that without 5G and fibre, there will be no European ‘AI continent’. He asserted that being successful in AI requires a strong connectivity infrastructure capable of anticipating future demand and enabling the use cases of tomorrow.

The discussion concluded with a consensus on the interdependent relationship between AI and connectivity. Speakers agreed that robust and future-ready connectivity infrastructure is essential for Europe to fully leverage AI’s potential. Conversely, integrating AI into network management can significantly enhance network resilience, efficiency, and sustainability, thereby supporting Europe’s digital leadership ambitions.

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