The EU Commission is accelerating the pace of building a sovereign AI ecosystem and presenting a plan to promote the adoption of the new technology in sectors with a high impact on the European economy, thus strengthening its competitiveness.
    The Apply AI strategy covers the public sector and ten key sectors, with plans that include the creation of advanced AI-based screening centers and the implementation of a secure infrastructure for the development of AI models for defense.
    With the strategy, the EU is mobilizing €1 billion from existing funding programs, with leverage effects varying by sector.
    According to Eurostat data for 2024, only 13.5% of EU companies use AI, compared to a much higher adoption rate in the US and China.

Italy stands at 8.2%, albeit up from 5.05% in 2023.
    Central to the strategy, which complements the Action Plan for an AI Continent launched in April 2025, is the AI-first approach, a policy that prioritizes AI so that more companies consider the new technology as part of the solution to complex challenges, taking into account both benefits and risks.
    First, the strategy defines sectoral actions to promote the use of AI in the public sector and in ten sectors identified based on the Draghi Report on EU Competitiveness, public consultations, and an analysis of industrial priorities.

The sectors covered include healthcare and pharmaceuticals; mobility, transport, and automotive; robotics; manufacturing; climate and environment; energy; agri-food; defense, security, and space; electronic communications; and cultural, creative, and media industries. In the healthcare sector, for example, it establishes a network of advanced AI-based screening centers. In the mobility sector, it supports the large-scale deployment of autonomous driving. In the robotics sector, it creates a catalyst to bring together developers and users, accelerating the development and adoption of European solutions.
    The second chapter of the EU strategy focuses on cross-cutting challenges, including supporting SMEs, developing an AI-ready workforce, leveraging advanced AI capabilities, and ensuring market trust. The renewal and implementation of the network of European Digital Innovation Centers, transformed into AI expertise centers, will give companies privileged access to the EU's AI innovation ecosystem.
    The Apply AI strategy also outlines a governance mechanism to coordinate action. It has two pillars: the Apply AI Alliance, a forum bringing together industry, the public sector, academia, social partners, and civil society; and an AI observatory that will monitor AI trends and assess sectoral impacts and changes in the labor market. At the same time, the AI ;;Act Service Desk will be launched, an information platform that will help ensure the implementation of the AI ;;Act.
    "I want the future of AI to be written in Europe. Because when you use AI, you can find smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solutions. AI adoption must be widespread, and with these strategies, we will help accelerate the process," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
    "Prioritizing AI," she added, "also means prioritizing safety.
    We will promote this 'AI first' approach across all our key sectors, from robotics to healthcare, from energy to automotive."
   

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