The European Commission has launched two parallel strategies to position Europe as a global AI leader, mobilising around €1 billion to drive adoption across strategic sectors and establishing a virtual European institute to coordinate AI resources for science.
The Apply AI Strategy targets healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, manufacturing, construction, agri-food, defence, communications and culture sectors, whilst the AI in Science Strategy focuses on AI-driven research through RAISE, the Resource for AI Science in Europe. The Commission aims to double Horizon Europe’s annual AI investments to over €3 billion.
Concrete measures under Apply AI include establishing AI-powered advanced screening centres for healthcare and supporting the development of frontier models and agentic AI tailored to sectors including manufacturing, environment and pharmaceuticals. The strategy addresses time-to-market acceleration by linking infrastructure, data and testing facilities, whilst the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs will transform into Experience Centres for AI.
“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,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “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 AI in Science Strategy includes €58 million under the RAISE pilot for Networks of Excellence and Doctoral Networks, plus €600 million from Horizon Europe to enhance computational power access. Europe currently has four supercomputers in the global top 10, up from two six years ago, with work ongoing to establish at least four to five gigafactories.
The Commission has launched the Apply AI Alliance, bringing together industry, the public sector, academia, social partners and civil society, alongside an AI Observatory to monitor trends and assess sectorial impacts. An AI Act Service Desk has also launched to support implementation of the AI Act.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “With the AI in Science Strategy, Europe is taking a decisive step to stay at the cutting edge. We will give our researchers, startups and SMEs the tools to turn ideas into breakthroughs, driving competitiveness and moving faster from lab to market. RAISE will be the catalyst, pooling resources, mobilising investments, and attracting top talent from across Europe and beyond.”
The Commission will present a Data Union Strategy at the end of October to align data policies with business and public sector needs. The AI in Science Summit takes place in Copenhagen from 3 to 4 November 2025, co-organised by the Commission and the Danish Presidency.
