The European Union announced today the adoption of two strategic plans aimed at accelerating the use of artificial intelligence technology in the fields of industry and scientific research, in an attempt to catch up with the United States and China, which dominate this vital sector.
European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty, “Hina Virkonen,” stated during a press conference at the European Parliament that “only 13 percent of European companies utilized artificial intelligence last year,” considering this figure “far from the continent’s true potential.” She indicated that the Commission aims to raise this percentage to 75 percent by 2030.
The new plans include the establishment of artificial intelligence-based factories and advanced data centers within Europe, alongside accelerating the implementation of the anticipated “Artificial Intelligence Act,” set to come into effect next year, which represents the first comprehensive regulatory framework of its kind in the world.
The European Union has also allocated nearly one billion euros through the “Horizon Europe” program to support artificial intelligence projects in fields such as medicine, energy, defense, and automotive, as well as to develop systems for early cancer detection and expand the usage of self-driving technologies.
The Commission aspires for this direction to later extend to service sectors such as finance, tourism, and e-commerce, as part of a comprehensive vision to make artificial intelligence a key driver of the European economy.
In a statement issued by the President of the European Commission, “Ursula von der Leyen,” she confirmed that “Europe must shape the future of artificial intelligence itself and make its widespread adoption a reality,” emphasizing that the new plans represent “a practical start towards achieving this vision.”
