EU Plans €1B AI Strategy to Reduce US China Tech Dependence

The European Union is preparing to launch a new AI strategy called the "Apply AI strategy" aimed at reducing its reliance on US and Chinese technology by promoting the development and adoption of European-made artificial intelligence platforms. This initiative seeks to strengthen EU AI sovereignty, improve AI integration in critical sectors such as healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, and foster growth for European AI startups by leveraging public sector demand. The strategy addresses risks associated with external dependencies on foreign AI infrastructure and software, warning these could be exploited by state and non-state actors, especially amid geopolitical tensions heightened by US President Trump's return and China's AI advancements. The EU plans to allocate €1 billion from existing funding to support these goals, with a focus on developing European AI-enabled command and control systems for defense and accelerating AI adoption across various domains. Additionally, the EU aims to simplify regulations with new legislation expected in 2026 to support innovation and avoid fragmentation of AI laws across member states. This comprehensive approach is intended to secure Europe's digital independence and enhance its competitiveness in the global AI landscape.