Focused on accelerating AI adoption and research, the EU aims to reduce reliance on foreign tech and enhance competitiveness.

The European Union has unveiled two strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the adoption and research of artificial intelligence (AI) across key industries and the public sector. The European Commission, in a move to bolster Europe’s technological independence, outlined the “Apply AI Strategy,” which seeks to accelerate the integration of AI in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and public services. Alongside this, the “AI in Science Strategy” focuses on driving AI-driven research and innovation.

Henna Virkkunen, an executive vice-president of the commission and Brussels’s top tech official, emphasized the goal of helping European companies and sectors harness AI to deliver tangible benefits for citizens while reinforcing competitiveness and technological sovereignty. The strategies come amid growing concerns that the EU is lagging behind the U.S. and China in the AI race and faces increasing reliance on foreign tech firms, especially as global governments adopt more protectionist policies.

The commission plans to establish AI-powered screening centers in healthcare, support the development of advanced AI models, and allocate approximately 1 billion euros to fund these initiatives. Additionally, the EU is promoting an “AI first” policy to encourage businesses to adopt AI for problem-solving and is creating a virtual resource hub to assist researchers in accessing computational tools, datasets, and funding.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, expressed a vision for Europe to lead in AI development, stating that AI can provide smarter, faster, and more affordable solutions. To support this, the commission has introduced an interactive compliance tool to help companies and public authorities adhere to the AI Act, the EU’s landmark legislation regulating AI systems.

However, some industry leaders, including executives from Mistral AI and ASML Holding, have criticized the regulatory environment, arguing that the EU’s complex tech regulations are hindering its ability to become a global leader in AI. They have called for the commission to pause the implementation of the AI Act, citing concerns that the regulatory burden could slow innovation and investment in AI technologies.

The EU’s AI Act, which is expected to be finalized in the coming months, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for AI development and deployment, covering areas such as data privacy, transparency, and ethical use. The act has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some calling for a more flexible approach to allow European startups and tech firms to compete globally.

As the EU moves forward with its AI strategies, the challenge will be to balance regulatory oversight with fostering innovation and attracting investment in AI research and development. The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors while ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly and ethically.