Artificial Intelligence  •  Digital Skills  •  Europe Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life. It influences how we work, learn, communicate, manage businesses and access public services. Yet an important question is now being asked across Europe: Are we building our own AI future—or becoming increasingly dependent on technology developed elsewhere? This question has gained renewed attention following warnings that Europe remains heavily reliant on artificial intelligence models and digital infrastructure originating in the United States and China. For Europe—and particularly for Portugal—this is not simply a technology issue. It is about economic competitiveness, employment, education, cybersecurity and the ability to make independent decisions about our digital future. What Is Digital Sovereignty? Digital sovereignty means having sufficient control over the technology, infrastruct...

AI Has Just Changed the Cybersecurity Game: What It Means for Portugal | Skunkworks Academy SKUNKWORKS ACADEMY | INSIGHTS & PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGY Cybersecurity & AI AI Has Just Changed the Cybersecurity Game: What It Means for Portugal 🤖 AI Has Just Changed the Cybersecurity Game Artificial intelligence has been changing the way we work for years. But something happened this week that takes the conversation about AI and cybersecurity to another level. On 3 September 2026 , OpenAI announced GPT-6 Astra, describing it as its most capable model yet. More importantly for the cybersecurity world, OpenAI said Astra is its first model to reach the Critical level of cybersecurity capability under its Preparedness Framework. OpenAI says that, with the right tools and access, Astra can find previously unknown security flaws and develop new ways to exploit them across many well-protected systems without a person...

Published:  4 August 2026 Author: Maria José Adão-Dercksen | Skunkworks Academy | Portugal Category: Artificial Intelligence & Cloud Computing Reading Time: 8 Minutes Introduction Portugal is quietly positioning itself as one of Europe's most important destinations for artificial intelligence infrastructure. While much of the global conversation around AI focuses on Copilot, ChatGPT, large language models, and automation, a critical foundation is being built behind the scenes: data centres, cloud platforms, high-capacity fibre networks, and sustainable energy systems. Over the past few years, Portugal has attracted billions of euros in investment into AI-ready digital infrastructure. With major developments underway in Sines and Lisbon, alongside new transatlantic submarine cable connections, the country is rapidly emerging as a strategic gateway connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Portugal's rise is not accidental. It reflects a combination of strategic geograp...

  Published:  20 July 2026 Author: Maria José Adão-Dercksen | Skunkworks Academy | Portugal Category: Technology | Cybersecurity | Artificial Intelligence | Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, learn, and do business. From intelligent search and virtual assistants to automated customer service and advanced cybersecurity, AI has quickly become an essential part of modern life. Now, Europe is taking another significant step in shaping the future of AI. This week, the European Commission announced new guidance under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will require Google to make parts of its AI and Android ecosystem more accessible to competitors. While the headlines focus on one of the world's largest technology companies, the real story is much bigger. This decision is about creating a more competitive, innovative, and open digital marketplace across Europe. For businesses, technology professionals, students, and organisations acros...