The European Commission has launched a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) initiative aimed at transforming the continent’s role in artificial intelligence and establishing technological sovereignty in the face of global competition.
President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized a forward-looking vision for AI, aiming to have European solutions shape future innovations and drive market growth.
Less than 15 percent of European companies currently utilize AI tools, a figure the Commission aims to increase substantially through targeted funding and dedicated strategies.
The plan aims to reduce the heavy reliance on American and Chinese technologies, thereby fostering an environment that prioritizes European-developed AI systems.
What Drives Europe’s New AI Sovereignty Strategy
The European AI sovereignty push is a direct response to mounting pressure from global tech giants and a desire to secure Europe’s place in strategic innovation.
President Ursula von der Leyen described AI as “the future made in Europe,” championing a policy that positions the EU as a strong, independent actor in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The initiative aims to infuse every critical sector with advanced AI capabilities to boost competitiveness and resilience.
EU policymakers are concerned that dependencies on foreign AI infrastructure could threaten national and continental interests.
The European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, Henna Virkkunen, underscored this by warning that external control over major digital systems may expose industries to risks from non-EU actors.
With significant funding pooled from Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Program, and expected member state matches, the goal is to achieve autonomy in AI design and deployment.
Did you know?
The European Commission’s RAISE initiative is being likened to a 'CERN for AI,' uniting research infrastructures across Europe for coordinated breakthroughs.
How Will the Apply AI Strategy Reshape Key Industries
The Apply AI Strategy targets ten pivotal sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, communications, mobility, construction, defense, agri-food, and culture.
Specialized European AI models are being developed to meet sector-specific needs, while AI-powered advanced screening centers will enable faster, more innovative diagnostics and resource allocation.
EU initiatives aim to increase AI adoption from 13 percent to 75 percent by 2030, a significant leap that relies on building AI infrastructure and supporting innovation at both regional and corporate levels.
The Commission expects rapid investment to stimulate private sector expansion and research, making AI integration more affordable for mid-sized firms throughout Europe.
Why Is Scientific Collaboration Central in the New AI Plan
Launching alongside the industry strategy, the AI in Science Strategy creates RAISE, the Resource for AI Science in Europe, as a virtual institute.
RAISE will unite European research efforts by pooling resources and accelerating breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine to climate science.
Over €600 million is allocated to build out this AI network, doubling Horizon Europe’s annual AI budget.
Copenhagen will host the first RAISE event in November 2025, marking Europe’s commitment to investing substantial resources in collaborative AI projects.
The plan focuses primarily on supporting doctoral and excellence networks to attract top talent, with €58 million earmarked just for these programs.
This reinforces aspirations for a “CERN for AI,” bringing together top minds and institutions.
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Can the Governance Framework Ensure European AI Independence
The Apply AI Alliance, newly established by the Commission, serves as a coordination hub for stakeholders across academia, industry, and civil society.
The strategy also introduces an AI Observatory for constant monitoring of trends and impacts, ensuring policy accountability and effective sectoral oversight.
To support the lawful and efficient deployment of AI, the AI Act Service Desk was launched, aligning companies with the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation.
Building on the April 2025 AI Continent Action Plan, the Commission aims to prevent duplication and provide regulators with up-to-date, trusted information.
With the emergence of notable European AI startups, such as Mistral AI, which recently reached a $14 billion valuation, governance efforts are focused on maintaining momentum and transparency as implementation begins.
What Could the AI Investment Mean for Europe’s Global Role
EU investment in AI is occurring amid intensifying tensions over tech sovereignty and digital infrastructure. With the United States and China already dominant, European ambitions hinge on the effective execution of strategy and the sustained development of public and private partnerships.
The €1 billion plan could not only bridge the AI adoption gap but also set new standards for the responsible, innovative, and accountable deployment of AI worldwide.
As industry and science reshape their approach, Europe’s AI sovereignty drive points to a future where continental collaboration and innovation can define the global narrative.
The strength of European initiatives will increasingly depend on attracting talent and pioneering sector-specific solutions that compete and collaborate internationally.
Europe now stands at a crossroads, determined to drive technological sovereignty and strengthen its hand in the global digital race.
Upcoming milestones, such as the inaugural Copenhagen RAISE event and the expansion of AI legislation, signal a strong commitment to leadership with lasting ramifications for tech governance and market dynamics.
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