The European Commission has unveiled a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) initiative aimed at boosting the adoption of artificial intelligence across critical industries, part of a broader effort to reduce the bloc’s dependence on U.S. and Chinese technologies.

The new “Apply AI” strategy builds on an action plan introduced in April that sought to ease the regulatory and financial pressures faced by startups navigating the EU’s landmark AI rules, which came into effect in August 2024.

At its core, the plan reflects the EU’s drive for technological sovereignty, ensuring Europe can compete globally while maintaining control over its digital future amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and China.

“I want the future of AI to be made in Europe,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “AI adoption needs to be widespread, and with these strategies, we will help accelerate that process—embedding an ‘AI first’ mindset across all major sectors, from robotics to healthcare, energy and automotive.”

The Commission identified several priority areas for AI integration, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, manufacturing, construction, agri-food, defence, communications, and culture.

Among the sector-specific initiatives, the EU plans to establish a network of AI-driven advanced screening centres in healthcare and to support the development of agentic AI systems in manufacturing, climate, and pharmaceutical fields.

Funding will be drawn primarily from EU research programmes such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, with the expectation that member states and private companies will contribute matching investments.

Through this initiative, the European Union aims to transform AI from a regulatory challenge into a competitive advantage, anchoring innovation firmly within Europe’s industrial and technological landscape.

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