The European Commission (EC) has announced a funding package of €1.1 billion to accelerate the uptake of artificial intelligence across key industries, part of its strategy to reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese technologies and strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Apply AI Strategy
The initiative, branded the “Apply AI Strategy,” will channel resources into sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, manufacturing, agriculture, defence, communications, and culture. The Commission said the plan aims to ensure AI adoption moves beyond office applications into industrial and public sector use, with a focus on practical deployment.
Funding Sources and Goals
The €1.1 billion will be drawn from existing EU programmes such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme, with additional contributions expected from member states and private investors. The strategy will:
- Establish AI-powered healthcare screening centres for faster, more accurate diagnoses.
- Support development of sector-specific AI tools, including in manufacturing and environmental monitoring.
- Provide tailored assistance for SMEs to integrate AI into operations.
- Link infrastructure, data, and testing facilities to speed up time-to-market for AI solutions.
Strategic Context
The EU has set a target for 75% of companies to use AI by 2030, but recent data shows Europe lags behind the U.S. and China in both investment and adoption. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:
“I want the future of AI to be made in Europe. With these strategies, we will help speed up adoption and ensure AI strengthens our competitiveness and sovereignty.”
Outlook
The plan complements the EU’s AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, which is being phased in through 2027. By combining regulatory oversight with targeted investment, Brussels hopes to position Europe as a global leader in responsible AI deployment, while safeguarding its technological independence.
European-Commission-building-by-Nuno-Nogueira
