Europe refuses to trail behind in the global artificial intelligence race, declared https://commission.europa.eu/index_en leader Ursula von der Leyen during the AI Strategy Conference in Paris.
Although the United States and China are often seen as dominant forces in AI, von der Leyen highlighted that the contest is still ongoing and that Europe possesses distinct capabilities to establish itself as a leader.
“This is the third gathering on AI security within a single year,” she noted. “In that time, three successive waves of more advanced AI models have been introduced. Some specialists believe that in a year, these systems may closely resemble human reasoning.”
Von der Leyen set the stage for the summit by contrasting prior meetings, which focused on safety frameworks, with the present gathering, aimed at immediate execution.
“Earlier summits concentrated on forming a unified perspective that AI should be secure, uphold ethical values, and contribute to human progress. But this time, the focus is on implementation. That is what we must prioritize now.”
As AI transforms industries and societies, von der Leyen urged Europe to craft a defined roadmap for AI development, ensuring it aligns with economic and societal needs. She stressed that the growing adoption of AI in crucial fields presents a golden opportunity for Europe to assume a leadership role.
Europe’s Unique Approach to AI Innovation
Von der Leyen dismissed suggestions that Europe lags behind its global competitors in AI advancements.
“I frequently hear that Europe is behind while the United States and China have surged forward. I completely disagree,” she asserted. “This field is constantly evolving, and the race for AI leadership remains open.”
Instead of mimicking other regions’ strategies, she advocated leveraging Europe’s distinctive expertise to forge an independent path.
“Many argue we should emulate what others are doing and chase their strengths,” she remarked. “I strongly believe we should focus on refining what we do best. Our deep-rooted expertise in science and technology has contributed significantly to the world, and we must build on that foundation.”
She identified three fundamental pillars that define Europe’s AI vision: 1) prioritizing highly specialized, complex AI applications, 2) fostering collaborative and cooperative research, and 3) promoting transparency through open-source principles.
“This gathering underscores that Europe has a distinct AI identity,” she observed. “We are already driving progress and expansion, and momentum is accelerating.”
Advancing AI Through Research Centers and High-Tech Facilities
To maintain its competitive edge, Europe must accelerate its AI development, von der Leyen emphasized.
A major part of this effort involves fortifying computational infrastructure. Europe is home to some of the most sophisticated supercomputers, which are now being harnessed to create dedicated AI research hubs.
“Within months, we have launched 12 AI innovation centers,” she disclosed. “We are allocating €10 billion to these hubs. This isn’t just a plan—it is happening now. It represents the largest public AI investment worldwide, projected to stimulate over tenfold additional private funding.”
Going further, von der Leyen introduced an even more ambitious project: large-scale AI research facilities modeled after CERN’s particle accelerator. These hubs will provide the necessary framework to train AI on an unparalleled scale and facilitate collaboration between experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
“We are establishing an ecosystem for vast computational power,” she explained. “We welcome the brightest minds from across the world. Businesses will have the chance to partner and integrate their data within a shared framework.”
This initiative reflects a broader European strategy to balance competition with collective cooperation in AI research.
“Artificial intelligence thrives on rivalry but also requires collaboration,” she emphasized, adding that these AI hubs will serve as trusted environments for shared research and innovation.
Ensuring AI Trustworthiness Through Regulations
Von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to maintaining ethical and reliable AI systems. She pointed to the EU AI Act as a central framework designed to create a harmonized legal landscape, replacing fragmented national guidelines.
“The AI Act will enforce a single regulatory framework across the European Union—encompassing 450 million citizens—rather than a patchwork of 27 separate national laws,” she said, acknowledging concerns about regulatory complexity.
“At the same time, I recognize the need to simplify regulations and reduce administrative burdens. We will address these issues.”
Mobilizing €200 Billion for AI Growth
Realizing these ambitious goals requires substantial financial resources. Von der Leyen commended the newly introduced EU AI Champions Initiative, which has already secured €150 billion in investments from technology providers, financiers, and corporations.
During the conference, she announced the Commission’s complementary InvestAI initiative, which will inject an additional €50 billion into AI development. Combined, these programs will channel €200 billion in public-private funding toward AI advancement.
“Our priority is on AI applications that are critical for industrial operations and strategic objectives,” she stated. “This will constitute the largest global public-private partnership focused on developing reliable AI technologies.”
AI Ethics as a Shared Duty
Von der Leyen concluded by positioning Europe’s AI ambitions within a wider ethical framework, emphasizing that responsible AI development is a collective international responsibility.
“Ethical AI can benefit societies far beyond Europe, including nations in the developing world,” she stated, advocating for a globally inclusive AI strategy.
She voiced strong support for the AI Foundation, which was unveiled at the summit, underscoring its mission to make AI’s advantages accessible to all.
“AI has the potential to be a remarkable asset for humanity. But we must ensure that its benefits are distributed universally,” she declared.
“Our aspiration is for AI to be a force for good. We envision a future where AI innovation fosters cooperation and its rewards are shared globally. That is the European vision for AI.”