Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to technologies programmed to analyse the world around them and take action to achieve specific goals.

We might not realise it, but AI plays a key role in our daily lives, from filtering spam mail, to suggesting a new song for us, to finding us the quickest route to where we’re going.

As AI develops, it can offer even more benefits to citizens and businesses across Europe. These include better prevention of diseases, fewer fatalities in traffic accidents, the anticipation of cyber threats and more.

The AI Act is the world's first comprehensive regulation on artificial intelligence. It is designed to ensure that AI developed and used in the EU is trustworthy, with safeguards to protect people's fundamental rights. The regulation aims to establish a harmonised internal market for AI in the EU, encouraging the uptake of this technology and creating a supportive environment for innovation and investment. The AI Act introduces a forward-looking definition of AI, based on a product safety and risk-based approach in the EU.

To ensure the EU’s position as a global leader in AI, the Commission adopted the AI Continent action plan in April 2025. It aims to boost the AI innovation capabilities and turn EU strengths—such as its top-tier talent and robust traditional industries—into AI accelerators. This plan also explores how to harness the untapped potential of researchers and industries to shape the next phase of AI development, ultimately boosting economic growth and strengthening competitiveness across the EU.

Building upon the action plan, the Apply AI Strategy supports adoption of AI in strategic sectors, enhancing European technological sovereignty. The Strategy harnesses the transformative potential of AI for industries and the public sector and encourages companies to embrace AI while considering the risks through an AI First Policy. Together, these initiatives form an integrated approach, where the AI Continent action plan sets the broad strategic direction for developing AI capabilities, and the Apply AI Strategy focuses on uptake, helping industries and the public sector adopt AI and promoting European AI solutions necessary to realise those strategic goals.

The European AI Office was inaugurated in February 2024 as part of the Commission. It plays a key role on the enforcement and implementation of the AI Act in collaboration with the member states. The AI Office also fosters collaboration among various stakeholders and promotes international cooperation and dialogue on AI matters. By championing these initiatives, the European AI Office propels Europe into a leadership position in the responsible and sustainable development of AI technologies.