EU working on AI strategy: less dependence on the US and China
Brussels is coming up with a new strategy to accelerate the development of European AI.
Published on October 6, 2025
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The European Union wants to be less dependent on foreign AI. Brussels is therefore coming up with a new strategy to accelerate the development of European AI.
According to a draft document seen by the Financial Times, the new “Apply AI strategy” focuses on stimulating European AI systems. These should ensure greater security, resilience, and economic growth. The European Commission wants AI to be applied more quickly in sectors such as healthcare, defense, and industry.
The plans will be presented on Tuesday by EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen. €1 billion will be made available from existing funds to support implementation.
AI as a weapon
In the document, the Commission warns of the risks of foreign dependence: it believes that the infrastructure and software behind AI can be “used as a weapon” by other countries or companies.
Since Donald Trump became president of the US again, concern about this dependence has been growing in Europe. At the same time, China is investing heavily in AI, which threatens to leave Europe behind.
Although Europe now has some promising AI companies, such as France's Mistral and Germany's Helsing, much of the crucial software, hardware, and raw materials still come from the US or Asia.