Apply AI Strategy – strengthening the AI continent

Key points

The EESC:

• calls for concrete and rapidly deployable measures to speed up the commercialisation of AI, especially for SMEs and scale-ups, through simpler access to funding, reduced administrative burden, clearer IP rules and support for cross-border scaling in the single market;

• highlights the importance of regional competence clusters, leveraging European Digital Innovation Hubs, and the inclusion of underrepresented sectors such as finance, tourism and e-commerce to ensure a holistic and inclusive AI approach;

• urges investment in AI skills and literacy, including clear definitions for upskilling and cross-skilling, to support the safe and effective integration of AI into key sectors such as healthcare, defence and security, and the public sector;

• stresses the need for regulatory clarity and proportionality, strengthened data-sharing and IP frameworks, and inclusive governance with balanced stakeholder representation, ensuring obligations are appropriate for SMEs and innovative start-ups;

• calls for long-term funding and strategic public procurement, including predictable support under the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, to reinforce Europe’s AI ecosystem, digital sovereignty and industrial base while ensuring transparency and fair competition.

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat.