European Commission launches €1 billion plan to boost artificial intelligence adoption
The initiative aims to accelerate AI integration across key sectors such as healthcare, energy, automotive, and pharmaceuticals while strengthening the EU's strategic independence.
The European Commission unveiled a €1 billion initiative on Wednesday designed to speed up the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across crucial sectors, including healthcare, energy, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. The plan aims to help businesses integrate AI into their operations more efficiently, backed by financial support through the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs. The Commission is also encouraging member states and the private sector to contribute parallel investments to maximize the impact of this strategy.
This move is part of the EU’s broader effort to reduce reliance on external powers, such as the United States and China, and to strengthen the bloc’s independence in strategic industries. The initiative comes at a time of heightened global trade tensions and growing concerns over American technology giants’ dominance in the European market. “I want the future of AI to be shaped in Europe,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, emphasizing a commitment to both innovation and European values.
The Commission’s new “Implement AI” strategy identifies several priority fields for AI integration, including health, pharmaceuticals, mobility, manufacturing, construction, agri-food, defense, communications, and culture. Planned sectoral actions range from establishing AI-based medical screening centers to deploying autonomous AI solutions in manufacturing and climate sectors. These efforts build upon the EU’s 2021 Artificial Intelligence Act, which set the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI, aiming to encourage transparent, safe innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights.
