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The European Union’s AI strategy

Since 2018, the European Union has been pursuing an ongoing approach to Artificial Intelligence (the ‘European approach to AI’): AI should be developed and used in a way that is competitive, yet trustworthy and grounded in fundamental rights.

Objectives of the
EU AI Strategy

The aim of the European Union’s AI strategy is to accelerate the development and widespread adoption of AI in Europe (excellence and adoption), whilst ensuring security, fundamental rights and trust. The EU aims to become a global leader in AI.

The legally binding core of this strategy is the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which came into force on 1 August 2024. Its introduction is taking place in stages and is
accompanied by implementation and innovation initiatives.

Guiding principle:
Trustworthy AI

The EU’s ethical guidelines serve as a political framework. They describe trustworthy AI as lawful, ethical and robust, and set out key requirements (e.g. transparency, safety, fairness and accountability).

The regulatory core: the EU AI Act

The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) establishes a risk-based horizontal legal framework for AI in the European Union. It is supplemented by guidelines and FAQs issued by the Commission (e.g. on obligations relating to general-purpose AI). You can read more detailed information on the AI Act here:

theme page on regulation (German)

Implementation & Governance

The European AI Office has been set up within the Commission to coordinate efforts across the EU. It promotes trustworthy AI, coordinates implementation and plays a central role in the oversight of highly capable models (General Purpose AI).

Key Initiatives,
Programmes &
further Development

In practical terms, the EU AI Strategy is being driven forward through action and implementation initiatives: the AI Continent Action Plan brings together measures relating to infrastructure, data, talent and support for the implementation of the AI Act, amongst other things.

The Apply AI Strategy aims to promote the wider adoption of AI in industry, SMEs and the public sector. In addition, a strategy on AI in science strengthens the use of AI in research and open science, as well as access to computing and data resources.

Furthermore, with the Digital Omnibus, the Commission is proposing simplifications and adjustments to digital regulation, which may also affect the practical application of the AI Act.

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