Spain, Unknown – January 13, 2026 — Barcelona, Spain – Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has forged a landmark €500 million pact on artificial intelligence ethics with leading tech hubs in Catalonia, positioning Spain at the forefront of Europe’s quest for digital sovereignty by 2027. The agreement, signed during a high-level forum at the Palau de Congressos on Tuesday, commits national and regional leaders to collaborative advancements in trustworthy AI systems that prioritise human rights, transparency, and equitable growth.

The pact builds on Catalonia’s ambitious AI 2030 Strategy, mobilising resources to integrate ethical safeguards into AI development across key sectors like health, energy, and mobility. Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia, described the initiative as “a bold step towards shared prosperity through responsible innovation.” He highlighted how the partnership channels €500 million into joint projects, including specialised research centres and public-private monitoring committees, to ensure AI tools enhance quality of life without compromising democratic values.

Central to the agreement is the establishment of a unified ethics framework aligned with the EU AI Act, which sets enforceable standards for high-risk systems by August 2026. This includes a public registry for AI deployments, self-assessment tools for businesses, and outreach programmes to promote critical thinking among citizens. Tech hubs such as the Computer Vision Center and the ELLIS Unit Barcelona will coordinate talent development, drawing on initiatives like the Ramon Llull AI postdoctoral programme to attract global experts and foster homegrown expertise.

Sánchez emphasised the pact’s role in bolstering technological independence. “This collaboration equips Spain and Catalonia to lead in sovereign AI infrastructure, from advanced computing facilities to data centres supporting large-scale model training,” he stated. Planned investments target the proposed European gigafactory in Móra la Nova, Tarragona, which promises to drive industrial innovation and create thousands of skilled jobs. By linking with international partners in regions like Bavaria and Quebec, the pact strengthens Europe’s position in global AI consortia, promoting standards that balance progress with accountability.

Community leaders in Barcelona welcomed the move as a catalyst for inclusive digital transformation. Marta Ribas, director of the Observatory of Ethics in Artificial Intelligence of Catalonia, noted that the PIO self-assessment model – a checklist for ethical AI evaluation – will empower small enterprises to comply seamlessly with regulations. “These tools turn compliance into a competitive advantage, enabling businesses to innovate confidently while upholding fundamental rights,” she said.

The agreement outlines 88 targeted actions across eight pillars, from narrowing the digital divide to advancing applied research in sustainable sectors. It supports massive data infrastructures and scientific diplomacy, ensuring Catalonia’s tech ecosystem connects universities, companies, and public administration. Events like the AI for Good Innovation Factory, set for March 2025 at MWC in Barcelona, will showcase startup solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, further amplifying the pact’s impact.

Experts predict the initiative will generate widespread benefits, including improved public services through ethical AI in administration and education. By 2027, full implementation of high-risk system rules under the EU AI Act will coincide with the pact’s milestones, creating a robust benchmark for the continent. Businesses stand to gain from streamlined support services, such as the One-Stop Shop for legal compliance, reducing barriers to adoption.

This partnership exemplifies proactive governance, uniting national vision with regional strengths to harness AI’s potential responsibly. It promises enhanced competitiveness for Spanish firms, better-equipped public sectors, and a model for ethical technology that inspires broader European adoption. As digital tools permeate daily life, the €500 million commitment signals a future where innovation serves the common good, fostering cohesion and opportunity across generations.

(Word count: 752)

—
Image Credit: Photo by codzilla_swiss on Unsplash