Microsoft has agreed to invest billions of dollars in Mistral’s European AI computing infrastructure as part of a partnership to expand the French startup’s technology.

The deal will allow Microsoft Azure customers to use Mistral’s data centers in France and access its AI models through Microsoft platforms.

The partnership aims to provide European businesses with more control over AI infrastructure while still benefiting from U.S. technology and security systems.

It reflects growing efforts in Europe to reduce reliance on foreign technology and develop more independent AI capabilities, Reuters has reported.

Microsoft and Mistral said the collaboration will combine European and American technology to provide reliable access to advanced AI tools.