Fact-checking webinar: AI, is the EU really lagging behind ? Replay available

What the webinar highlighted:

The European Union is now seeking to consolidate its position in the global AI race by building a genuine European ecosystem based on trust and excellence. The European Commission’s efforts, notably through DG Connect, are based on several complementary levers: developing a regulatory framework with the AI Act, providing substantial support for fundamental research, coordinating strategic funding, and creating infrastructure enabling European companies to test, develop and commercialise their innovations. The objective is twofold: to ensure AI systems are reliable, secure and respectful of European values, whilst strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty in the face of American and Chinese powers.

The webinar highlighted that Europe already possesses significant scientific strengths, with a network of over 300 centers of excellence and a strong capacity for academic output. However, it still suffers from a structural shortfall when it comes to transforming this research into competitive industrial solutions. To address this challenge, the EU is developing concrete programmes such as the European Digital Innovation Hubs, AI Factories, Data Labs and “test before invest” schemes, which aim to support businesses, start-ups and the public sector in adopting AI. These initiatives seek to improve access to computing power, facilitate integration into strategic sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, industry and robotics, and enhance the visibility of European innovations in the market.

Looking beyond technological performance alone, the discussions also highlighted the importance of governance tailored to the risks and societal challenges associated with AI. The AI Act therefore imposes specific obligations on high-risk systems in order to strengthen public confidence and prevent misuse. At the same time, increasing efforts are being devoted to combating algorithmic bias, ensuring data quality, training talent and securing strategic partnerships. The European Union is thus seeking to promote a sovereign, ethical and sustainable approach to artificial intelligence, capable of supporting its strategic autonomy whilst preparing its economies and workers for the transformations to come.

A strategic challenge for the long term

This webinar thus served as a reminder that the issue of AI in Europe extends far beyond the technological sphere alone: it is now a major challenge for economic, industrial and political sovereignty. Whilst Europe has a solid scientific and regulatory foundation, it must further step up its investment, enhance its international visibility and accelerate the market launch of its innovations. Faced with the global acceleration of the race for AI, Europe’s success will therefore depend on its ability to combine scientific excellence, industrial competitiveness and the protection of its fundamental values.