The European Commission has presented two new strategies to ensure Europe remains at the forefront of AI development: the Apply AI Strategy and the AI in Science Strategy. Together, they aim to accelerate AI deployment across key industries and position Europe as a global leader in AI-driven research and innovation. Building on Europe’s strong digital infrastructure, skilled workforce, and collaborative research culture, these strategies seek to unlock AI’s full potential for economic growth and societal benefit.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: "I want the future of AI to be made in Europe. Because when AI is used, we can find smarter, faster, and more affordable solutions. AI adoption needs to be widespread, and with these strategies, we will help speed up the process. Putting AI first also means putting safety first. We will drive this ‘AI first' mindset across all our key sectors, from robotics to healthcare, energy and automotive."

The Apply AI Strategy aims to accelerate AI use across key sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, manufacturing, agriculture, defence and communications. With €1 billion in support, it will help businesses, especially SMEs, adopt AI technologies and adapt to the digital transition. It encourages an AI first policy, so more companies consider AI as a part of the solution to tackle challenges, while taking into careful consideration the benefits and the risks of the technology. An Apply AI Alliance will bring together industry, academia, and civil society, an AI Observatory will monitor trends and assess sectoral impacts, while a new AI Act Service Desk will support the implementation of the AI Act.

The AI in Science Strategy positions the EU as a hub for AI-driven scientific innovation. At its centre is RAISE - the Resource for AI Science in Europe, a virtual European institute to pool and coordinate AI resources for developing AI and applying it in science. Under this strategy, the Commission is investing:

• €600 million from Horizon Europe to boost access to computational power,
• €58 million for AI talent programmes,
• and aims to double annual AI investments under Horizon Europe to over €3 billion.

To fully realise the potential of AI, Europe must ensure broad access to high-quality, structured data. The Commission will therefore present a Data Union Strategy later this year to better align data policies with the needs of businesses, public authorities, and citizens.

On 3–4 November 2025, the AI in Science Summit, co-organised with the Danish Presidency, will take place in Copenhagen. This event will gather policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to launch initiatives under the AI in Science Strategy, including the RAISE pilot and a private sector pledging campaign.

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