Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Wednesday, the European Commission unveiled a 1-billion-euro initiative to boost artificial intelligence adoption across key industries and support their integration into operations.
This move aims to reduce the European Union’s dependence on US and Chinese technologies. The move further emphasises Europe’s aim to attain strategic independence in crucial sectors, especially amid trade tensions with the U.S. and China and the dominance of U.S. Big Tech.
How will the EU fund its 1-billion-euro AI push?
The EU Commission’s new Apply AI strategy is based on an action plan introduced in April. This plan aims to reduce regulatory burdens and costs for startups that find it challenging to comply with the landmark AI rules that came into force in August last year.
The EU plans to fund 1 billion euros through research initiatives like Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe programme. The Commission mentioned that this may motivate EU countries and the private sector to contribute matching funds.
“I want the future of AI to be made in Europe,”
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.
“AI adoption needs to be widespread, and with these strategies, we will help speed up the process. We will drive this ‘AI first’ mindset across all our key sectors, from robotics to healthcare, energy, and automotive,”
she stated
What sectors are prioritised under the Apply AI strategy?
The Commission highlighted healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, manufacturing, construction, agri-food, defence, communications, and culture as key sectors that need to adopt more AI.
Sector-specific actions within the Apply AI strategy involve establishing a network of AI-driven advanced screening centers in healthcare and developing autonomous AI applications in manufacturing, climate, and pharmaceutical sectors.
What is the goal of the EU’s new AI plan?
The EU initiated the AI Act on April 21, 2021, with an official proposal from the European Commission. The European Union AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence.
The act is designed to promote safety, security, protection of fundamental rights, and trustworthy innovation across Europe. The AI Act takes a risk-based approach and divides AI systems into four risk classifications, including unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal risk, with corresponding obligations.
