GettyImages © Khanchit Khirisutchalual
These two Commission initiatives will position Europe as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The session outlined the strategic pillars of the AI Continent vision - infrastructure, data, sectoral adoption, talent development, and regulatory simplification - and discussed how the upcoming Apply AI Strategy will accelerate AI uptake across key industries.
The webinar focused on the plan to scale Europe’s AI infrastructure, including AI Factories, Gigafactories, and the InvestAI Facility, as well as strategies to enhance data access through the Data Union and Data Labs. It explored sector-specific AI adoption in key areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, and climate, along with efforts to attract and retain AI talent through skills programs and international recruitment. Additionally, the session examined the role of the AI Act in fostering compliant innovation, including the upcoming AI Act Service Desk aimed to support businesses in regulatory adherence.
Experts also discussed the ongoing public consultation on the upcoming Apply AI Strategy, inviting stakeholders to shape Europe’s AI future.
Agenda
10:30-12:00 CEST
Moderator: Gail Rego, Strategic Stakeholder Communications Expert at AI office
Speakers from DG CNECT:
- Gaspard Demur, AI Innovation and Policy Coordination Unit, Deputy Head of Unit
- Juan Pelegrin, High Performance Computing and Applications Unit, Head of Exascale Computing
- Laura Jugel, AI Regulation and Compliance Unit, Legal and Policy Officer
Topics:
- The AI Continent Vision: Pillars, investments, and global competitiveness
- Future Apply AI Strategy: Goals, sectoral priorities, and stakeholder collaboration
- Regulatory Alignment: Simplifying compliance while accelerating innovation
- Case Studies: AI adoption in healthcare, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing
- Public Consultation: How to contribute to shaping Europe’s AI leadership
The event was livestreamed and open to all on our YouTube channel, and presentation slides are available for download.
Background
The AI Continent Action Plan, launched on 9 April 2025, transforms Europe’s tech ecosystem into a unified AI powerhouse, combining infrastructure, data, skills, sector specific application and regulatory simplification to compete globally. Meanwhile, the forthcoming Apply AI Strategy (open for consultation until 4 June 2025) will drive AI integration in a selected number of strategic sectors, from biotech to defense. Together, these initiatives aim to balance innovation, sovereignty, and ethical AI development, ensuring Europe’s leadership aligns with its values.
This webinar is part of the AI Pact series, supporting stakeholders in navigating the EU’s AI ecosystem and helping with the implementation of the AI Act. Join us to learn how these plans will shape Europe’s technological future - and how you can contribute.