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OpenEuroLLM Wins STEP Seal for Advancing European Multilingual AI

Author

Alicia Shapiro
February 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

A futuristic digital representation of AI-driven multilingual communication. A glowing map of Europe is overlaid with interconnected data streams, symbolizing Large Language Models supporting all European languages. The image features abstract AI neural networks, floating text in multiple languages, and a high-tech interface showcasing real-time language processing. In the corner, a prominently displayed STEP Seal badge represents the project's official recognition. The environment is sleek and modern, with blue and gold lighting reflecting European innovation in AI development.

Image Source: ChatGPT-4o

OpenEuroLLM Wins STEP Seal for Advancing European Multilingual AI

The European Commission has recognized the OpenEuroLLM project with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal, marking a major milestone in AI development for Europe. This award highlights OpenEuroLLM’s role in advancing multilingual AI while aligning with European values of transparency, openness, and accessibility.

What Is OpenEuroLLM?

OpenEuroLLM is a pioneering open-source AI initiative aimed at developing the first family of Large Language Models (LLMs) that support all official and future EU languages. The project:

  • Brings together EU startups, research labs, and supercomputing centers.

  • Uses European supercomputers to train its models.

  • Ensures compliance with the AI Act, promoting ethical and transparent AI development.

With a €37.4 million budget, including €20.6 million from the Digital Europe Programme, OpenEuroLLM is a key step toward strengthening Europe’s AI sovereignty.

What Is the STEP Seal?

The STEP Seal is a mark of excellence under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), an EU initiative designed to:

  • Boost European industrial competitiveness in critical technologies like AI.

  • Help projects access additional EU funding through increased visibility.

  • Strengthen investment profiles of high-quality AI initiatives.

Projects receiving the STEP Seal are showcased on the European Commission’s STEP portal and tagged on the InvestEU Portal, increasing their potential for future investment.

Looking Ahead

By supporting multilingual AI, OpenEuroLLM enhances Europe’s digital independence, ensuring that AI tools reflect the continent’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. This recognition under STEP reinforces the EU’s commitment to fostering inclusive and ethical AI innovation.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.