European Commission presents Apply AI Strategy.

On 8 October, the European Commission presented its Apply AI Strategy, establishing a strategic framework for the broad deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across the economy and public administration. The Strategy aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, boost productivity and promote the responsible use of AI in line with the AI Act.

Objectives and content of the Strategy

At the heart of the Strategy lies the goal of unlocking the societal potential of AI – from enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses in healthcare to improving the efficiency and accessibility of public services. To achieve this, the European Commission wants businesses and public institutions to adopt an AI first approach, systematically integrating AI into their processes based on European solutions and standards. The Strategy includes sectoral measures in eleven strategically relevant sectors, complemented by horizontal actions on skills, regulation and governance. Approximately EUR 1 billion from EU programmes – including Digital Europe and EU4Health – will be mobilised for its implementation.

Healthcare

Among the sectors identified as strategically important for the uptake of AI is healthcare. AI is expected to increase efficiency and improve outcomes in medical diagnosis, research and care. The Strategy also identifies barriers such as insufficient high-quality data, heterogeneous infrastructures and a lack of AI skills. Planned initiatives include the establishment of European AI-powered advanced screening centres for prevention and diagnostics, particularly in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition, a European Network of Expertise on AI Deployment in Healthcare will be created to develop guidelines and best practices for the roll-out of AI applications. The Commission also plans to propose measures to streamline and accelerate the approval of medical devices.

Public sector

The Strategy also identifies the public sector as a strategically important area – AI is expected to make administrations more efficient, transparent and citizen-oriented. According to the Strategy, success depends on investment in infrastructure and skills as well as transparency and trust. To establish the public sector as a frontrunner in the use of trustworthy AI, the Commission plans to set up a shared repository of practical, open-source and reusable tools to foster interoperability – the AI Toolbox for Public Administration. Complementing this, a Public Sector AI & Interoperability Readiness Pathway (PAIR Pathway) will be launched to provide administrations with concrete examples supporting the development of AI services tailored to their needs. Moreover, the European Interoperability Framework will be updated with guidance to support AI-first strategies within public administrations.

Governance

In terms of governance structures, the European Commission plans to transform the existing AI Alliance into a coordination forum for stakeholders and policymakers – the Apply AI Alliance. Furthermore, an AI Observatory will be established to provide robust indicators for assessing the impact of AI in relevant sectors, monitor current developments and support sectoral dialogue. Based on the Observatory’s monitoring, the Commission intends to set public and private investment targets for AI under the Digital Decade. In addition, the AI Board will remain the main discussion platform between the European Commission and the Member States. Through a dedicated subgroup on innovation, the AI Board will monitor national AI strategies and facilitate the exchange of best practices among Member States, including in the public sector.