European and US agree new investment package for critical technologies

The €250 billion initiative will focus on clean energy, semiconductors and AI infrastructure, officials say.

The investment package in this illustrated front-page account is divided between clean power, advanced computing and the components that connect them. The transatlantic partnership would give smaller research companies access to larger demonstration projects, allowing laboratory work to be tested with prospective industrial customers.

Its proposed funding conditions place emphasis on practical delivery: working equipment, local training and a credible route to maintenance. Announcing a joint fund is the easy stage. The next challenge is agreeing which projects deserve support when the priorities of investors, national governments and the communities hosting facilities differ.

Illustrated inaugural edition · Fictional editorial copy