EU Launches ‘AI Continent’ Plan to Boost Tech Sovereignty and Compete with US, China
The European Union has initiated a significant new strategy aimed at establishing itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The European Commission, from its headquarters in Brussels, has unveiled two primary strategies designed to enhance the use of AI across various sectors.
A Dual Strategy for an ‘AI Continent’
The plan consists of a two-pronged approach to integrate AI deeply within the European economy and research landscape:
1. Apply AI Strategy
This broader strategy focuses on accelerating the adoption of AI technologies, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 11 key industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Manufacturing
- Mobility
- Energy
- Public Sector
The Apply AI strategy promotes two fundamental policies:
- AI first policy: Encouraging organizations to consider AI as a viable solution in strategic decision-making.
- Buy European approach: Urging public sector procurement to prioritize European and open-source AI solutions.
To support this vision, the EU plans to transform its existing network of European Digital Innovation Hubs into specialized “Experience Centres for AI,” which will serve as access points to the EU AI innovation ecosystem, connecting businesses with AI factories, testing facilities, and regulatory sandboxes.
2. AI in Science Strategy
This targeted initiative aims to solidify Europe’s position at the forefront of AI-driven research. The centerpiece of this strategy is the establishment of a new virtual resource hub called RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe). This platform is designed to consolidate the continent’s strategic assets such as funding, computational power, high-quality datasets, and top talent, thereby empowering the scientific community.
RAISE will operate on two main pillars:
- Science for AI: Supporting basic research to advance core AI capabilities.
- AI for Science: Promoting the application of advanced AI tools to drive progress in various scientific fields.
Bolstering Sovereignty Amid Global Competition
This initiative responds to rising geopolitical pressures and the EU’s concerns over its dependence on foreign technology companies, particularly those from the US and China. The EU aims to create a self-sustaining and competitive AI landscape, mobilizing approximately €1 billion ($1.17 billion) to fund these new initiatives, signaling a serious financial commitment to achieving technological independence.
European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen emphasized the importance of using AI to deliver real benefits for EU citizens, enhance competitiveness, and reinforce the bloc’s technological sovereignty. The ambition is to leverage existing strengths, including a robust research ecosystem and high-quality data, to emerge as a global leader in trustworthy and human-centric AI.
In conclusion, the EU’s AI Continent Action Plan represents a comprehensive and strategic initiative aimed at securing Europe’s technological future and ensuring its place in the global digital landscape.
