The European Commission has officially launched its "Apply AI" strategy, a significant initiative aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across Europe. This plan is designed to enhance Europe's digital sovereignty and global competitiveness by fostering domestic AI capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
The "Apply AI" strategy is a key component of the broader "AI Continent" action plan, which was first announced in April 2025. It also builds upon the conclusions of the Council of the European Union regarding an EU strategy for AI in science, approved in May 2025. The initiative commits to integrating AI into critical European sectors such as healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, backed by €50 billion in funding from existing EU programs, with the goal of mobilizing €200 billion in public and private investments over the next five years. This includes a new fund of €20 billion for four «AI Gigafactories».
A central element of this strategy is the establishment of RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe), a European AI research council intended to consolidate resources for scientists developing and applying AI within the EU. This is expected to accelerate AI advancements and foster innovation. Additionally, 13 AI centers are planned to support startups, industry, and research institutions. The Commission also plans to significantly increase the number of AI specialists through targeted training programs, talent attraction, and enhanced collaboration between academia and industry.
The strategy emphasizes a proactive approach to AI adoption, encouraging public administrations to utilize open-source EU AI systems. This not only supports European startups but also reduces dependence on foreign platforms. Concerns regarding foreign control over the AI 'stack' have been a major driver for this initiative. The plan also aims to speed up the deployment of European AI-enabled defense tools and includes investment in sovereign frontier models for areas like space defense.
Despite these ambitious efforts, Europe faces significant challenges. As of 2024, only about 13.5% of European enterprises utilized AI technologies. Key barriers include fragmented tools, a shortage of skilled personnel, high implementation costs, and regulatory uncertainty. The "Apply AI" strategy aims to overcome these obstacles by creating a more favorable business environment, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, and by harmonizing approaches to AI implementation.
The "Apply AI" strategy is part of a larger vision for Europe to become a world-class hub for AI, ensuring that its development is human-centric and trustworthy. This aligns with the "AI Continent" action plan, which focuses on developing trustworthy AI technologies to enhance competitiveness while safeguarding democratic values. Key components of the broader plan include the establishment of AI Factories and Gigafactories for data and computing infrastructure, and initiatives like InvestAI to stimulate private investment. The strategy also champions the development of AI skills through programs like the AI Skills Academy.
The European Union's commitment to AI is further underscored by the AI Act, the world's first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence, designed to ensure AI systems are safe, trustworthy, and respectful of fundamental rights. This strategic push by the European Commission marks a pivotal moment for Europe's technological landscape, positioning the EU to navigate the global AI race with a focus on ethical and responsible innovation.