As the world actively explores the potential benefits of the application and uses of artificial intelligence (AI), the European Union (EU) is taking action to position itself as the leading global AI player.
The EU Commission has announced the launch of its AI Continent Action Plan, a comprehensive initiative intended to tap into Europe’s strong industrial base to foster the future development of AI-based technologies. According to a press release issued by the Commission in early April, the Commission’s Action Plan consists of five key pillars, as follows:
- Build a large-scale AI data and computing infrastructure
- Increase access to large and high-quality data
- Develop algorithms and foster AI adoption in strategic EU sectors
- Strengthen AI skills and talents
- Simplify regulation
The EU’s efforts on AI build on an effort by the Commission in early 2024 to support EU start-ups and small companies in the development of reliable and safe AI technologies. The EU has also recently announced a €200 billion investment in AI across Europe through its InvestAI initiative.
The EU Commission’s press release about its AI Continent Action Plan is available at https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1013. The Action Plan is available for downloading at https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/ai-continent-action-plan.
