The European Commission has unveiled a €1 billion “Apply AI” package to accelerate artificial‑intelligence adoption across critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and agri‑food. Funded through Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe programme, the initiative aims to double AI research spending to over €3 billion annually and allocate €600 million for high‑performance computing access, ensuring startups and researchers can tap into AI‑dedicated infrastructure .
A cornerstone of the strategy is the creation of the Apply AI Alliance, a forum that unites industry, academia, public bodies, and civil society to coordinate AI deployment. The alliance will support the rollout of AI‑powered screening centres in healthcare, frontier models for pharmaceuticals, and agentic AI solutions for manufacturing and environmental monitoring. Simultaneously, the AI in Science Strategy introduces the RAISE virtual institute, pooling resources to drive AI‑driven scientific breakthroughs and foster talent pipelines .
The EU’s “AI‑first” mindset is reinforced by upgrading European Digital Innovation Hubs into Experience Centres for AI, giving SMEs privileged access to tools, data, and expertise. An AI Observatory will monitor emerging trends, while the AI Act Service Desk helps businesses navigate the new regulatory framework that entered into force in August 2024. These measures reflect Europe’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign tech and achieve strategic autonomy in AI .
Overall, the dual‑track approach combines massive investment, regulatory clarity, and collaborative ecosystems to position Europe as a global leader in trustworthy AI. By targeting key industries, bolstering research capacity, and ensuring ethical governance, the EU seeks to transform AI from a niche technology into a mainstream driver of economic and scientific growth .
