EC working on new AI strategy to cut EU dependence on US, China

Brussels is preparing to unveil a new plan aimed at competing with the United States and China in the global race to develop revolutionary artificial intelligence technologies.

The European Commission (EC) is expected to present a new AI strategy on October 7 designed to promote European-made AI platforms and reduce dependence on foreign providers, according to the Financial Times, which cited a draft proposal exclusively reviewed by the outlet

The forthcoming “Apply AI Strategy” will reportedly champion homegrown AI tools to strengthen Europe’s security and resilience while enhancing the bloc’s industrial competitiveness. The plan underscores the importance of expanding AI applications across key sectors such as healthcare, defence, and manufacturing.

According to the draft, the EC aims to “accelerate the adoption of European scalable and replicable generative AI solutions in public administrations.”

The article notes that the strategy — which could still be revised before publication — will be formally introduced by Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s technology chief, on October 7.

The proposal warns of “external dependencies of the AI stack” — referring to the infrastructure and software needed to develop, train, and operate AI systems — cautioning that these dependencies “can be weaponised” by “state and non-state actors,” thereby threatening the resilience of supply chains.

The Financial Times argues that these concerns have intensified following Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency, which has reignited fears in Europe over its reliance on American technology and prompted renewed calls for digital sovereignty within the EU.

At the same time, China’s rapid progress in AI development is challenging US dominance in the field, amplifying fears that Europe could be sidelined in shaping how the technology is governed and applied in the years ahead.

By Nazrin Sadigova