Thu Oct 09 04:52:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The European Union is urging businesses, especially those in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, and defense, to significantly increase their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The EU Commission is allocating one billion euros to this effort, primarily through the Horizon research program, to develop European AI-powered tools and models. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign AI providers, accelerate AI adoption across businesses, and foster an AI industry made in Europe. The EU aims to have 75% of its businesses using AI by 2030. Concerns are raised about the potential weaponization of AI infrastructure dependencies by both state and non-state actors.
**News Article:**
**EU Pushes for AI Adoption, Aims to Rival US and China**
**Strasbourg, October 9, 2025** – The European Union is making a bold push to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across its business landscape, particularly in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and defense. In a move aimed at reducing reliance on foreign AI providers and fostering a homegrown AI industry, the EU Commission announced today a mobilization of one billion euros.
Speaking in the European Parliament, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen expressed concern over the current AI adoption rate in Europe, revealing that only 13% of European companies used AI last year. While she noted an increase since then, the EU is clearly lagging behind the United States and China in the global AI race.
The one billion euro investment, largely sourced from the Horizon research program, will be directed towards developing European AI-powered tools, specialized AI models, and infrastructure projects like autonomous vehicles and advanced cancer screening centers. The ambitious goal is to have 75% of EU businesses utilizing AI by 2030.
“I want the future of AI to be made in Europe,” declared EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the potential of AI to deliver smarter, faster, and more affordable solutions.
However, the EU is also acutely aware of the risks associated with relying on external AI providers. Brussels warned that “external dependencies of the AI stack can be weaponized,” posing a threat to supply chains by state and non-state actors. Therefore, the EU is encouraging companies to prioritize European AI solutions wherever possible.
This initiative signifies the EU’s commitment to not only compete in the global AI arena but also to safeguard its strategic interests in an increasingly AI-driven world. The push for European AI is expected to have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers across the continent.