Amsterdam-based AI cloud provider Nebius is planning a 240MW data center in Béthune, France. As reported by Les Echos, the project will see the former Bridgestone tyre plant redeveloped and set to deliver capacity in phases.

Speaking on the project, Blackwell said: "The choice of France came about quite naturally a few months ago. It's not a single event, but rather the entire public strategy we've observed over the past year, which clearly demonstrates that the country wants to build a unique AI infrastructure in Europe."

He added, regarding the chasm between the US' AI progress and wider Europe: "Can Europe fully catch up with the US? That might be difficult at this stage. Can Europe move much faster and significantly reduce its level of dependence by having a much larger infrastructure? The answer is yes."