The European Commission has pledged a total of 200 billion euros ($206.5 billion) for artificial intelligence investments in Europe, with the goal of becoming a global leader in the field. This investment is part of a larger public-private partnership aiming to develop trustworthy AI for industrial and mission-critical applications.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that while other countries like China and the US are making significant strides in AI, the EU believes it can still win the “AI leadership race”. The bloc will top up 150 billion euros of existing funding with an additional 50 billion euros to support innovation in AI.
Von der Leyen stressed the importance of a unique approach to AI development in Europe, focusing on science and technology, industrial manufacturing data, and collaboration among countries and sectors. She also highlighted the potential benefits of AI, including boosting competitiveness, protecting security, improving public health, and democratizing access to information.
However, critics have raised concerns about the risks associated with AI, such as its energy consumption and potential for spreading disinformation through manipulated “deep fakes”. This has sparked a response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced that his country’s AI sector would receive 109 billion euros in private investment, comparable to US President Donald Trump’s $500 billion project.
The EU’s efforts are being mirrored by other nations, with US Vice President JD Vance vowing to block authoritarian regimes’ use of AI for military intelligence and surveillance purposes. The European Commission’s pledge marks a significant step forward in the EU’s push to become a leader in the global AI landscape.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/11/eu-says-ai-race-far-from-over-as-bloc-pledges-50-billion-euro-investment.html