Hosted by the French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty on 8 March 2024, the first Assembly of Members of the Alliance for Language Technologies (ALT-EDIC) marked a significant milestone.

Created by decision of the European Commission on 7 February 2024, this initiative takes the form of a European consortium for digital infrastructures (EDIC) and brings together different Member States of the European Union.

It aims, while respecting copyright and related rights, to protect and enhance European cultural and linguistic heritage within an innovative, competitive, ethical and sovereign artificial intelligence ecosystem.

ALT-EDIC intends to involve not only institutional partners, but also civil society. In fact, many industrial groups and SMEs have expressed interest in the project and the opportunities it represents. In 2024, the Alliance will focus on federating this ecosystem, through the creation of an industrial consortium that will ensure the impact of the EDIC’s efforts on businesses.

Currently, twelve member states (Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia) are part of the Alliance. Austria, Belgium and the Flemish Region, Denmark, Estonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Slovakia also joined with observer status. Discussions are continuing so that other Member States can join the initiative.

Source: Main URL