Europe can be the AI Continent if we act now

Today, the European Commission unveiled its vision for the future of AI in Europe through the AI Continent Action Plan. This marks a welcome shift in the right direction. It’s encouraging to see regulatory simplification taking priority. This kind of pragmatic, business-oriented approach is exactly what Europe needs to help AI companies grow, scale, and compete globally. 

Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General, DIGITALEUROPE said:  

‘’ This is Europe’s chance to close the gap. We already have the ingredients: top-tier talent, buzzing innovation hubs, and world-class companies in advanced manufacturing, green tech, medical devices, and more. But we’re still missing one thing: market demand.

Without bold, EU-wide public procurement and smart investment incentives, we will not build scalable AI champions or drive real adoption. Let’s not waste resources on bureaucracy when we should be creating real market opportunities.  

Today, Europe captures just 6% of global AI venture capital. That must change. Let’s use this moment of global uncertainty to our advantage, by attracting top AI talent and companies to Europe and giving them the conditions they need to grow, scale, and lead.” 

To succeed, we need: 

• Targeted investment, incentives and procurement: not creative accounting. The Commission has pledged €50 billion. Now we must ensure this translates into real business deals, not just more university R&D. 
• Simplified, harmonised rules: Starting with a leaner AI Act that avoids a GDPR-style patchwork and enables companies to operate smoothly across borders.