In its work programme published on 11 February 2025, the European Commission announced its intention to publish a Continental Action Plan for Artificial Intelligence in the first quarter of 2025.

AI is a rapidly evolving family of technologies that contributes to a wide range of economic, environmental, and social benefits across various industries and social activities.

By improving forecasting, optimising operations and resource allocation, and personalising digital solutions for individuals and organisations, AI can provide businesses with significant competitive advantages and drive social and environmental progress. This includes areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food security, education and training, media, sports, culture, infrastructure management, energy, transport and logistics, public services, security, justice, energy and resource efficiency, environmental monitoring, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and restoration, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The objective of this plan is to maximise the opportunities presented by this emerging technological field.

The European Union has been advocating for safe artificial intelligence that upholds its values and benefits humanity.

Recently, the President of the European Commission stated that Europe should be one of the leading continents in this field and that this would mean embracing a way of life in which AI is present everywhere.

According to von der Leyen, artificial intelligence could help enhance competitiveness, protect security, strengthen public health, and make access to knowledge and information more democratic across the European Union.

The action plan will be structured around five key pillars:

• Infrastructure

• Access to data

• Cloud

• Talent and skills

• Simplification

The Artificial Intelligence Regulation, which governs AI tools based on the risks they pose to society, will only become fully applicable in 2027, but the Commission is already working to simplify existing regulations.

Indeed, depending on the circumstances related to its application, use, and specific level of technological development, AI can create risks and harm public interests and fundamental rights. These harms can be both material and immaterial, including physical, psychological, social, or economic damage.

The action plan is expected to set the stage for the more specific Apply AI and AI in Science strategies, which are scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

Consultations for these strategies are expected to be launched alongside this action plan.

Our team is available for further information.