EESC supports Commission’s Apply AI Strategy to accelerate AI use in Europe
Backing the European Commission’s Apply AI Strategy, the European Economic and Social Committee argues that reliability, trust and inclusive governance should define Europe’s approach to artificial intelligence deployment.
On 21 January 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) endorsed the European Commission’s Apply AI Strategy, calling for faster and more practical deployment of AI across the EU economy. The strategy aims to move AI beyond research and experimentation and into everyday use in business and public services, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises and scale-ups.
The Apply AI Strategy promotes an AI first approach, encouraging organisations to consider AI solutions as a default option when making strategic decisions. According to the EESC, this shift is necessary for Europe to remain competitive in a global landscape dominated by large-scale investment and rapid deployment in the United States and China.
At the same time, the Committee stressed that Europe’s response should not focus solely on speed. Instead, it argued that the EU’s comparative advantage lies in developing AI systems that are trustworthy, transparent and human-centric, and that comply with European values, labour standards and fundamental rights. During a plenary debate with representatives of the European Commission and AI experts, participants highlighted the growing gap between technological innovation and real-world implementation across member states.
EESC President Seamus Boland warned that fragmented national approaches and uneven capabilities risk slowing adoption, while Lucilla Sioli, Director of the Commission’s AI Office, pointed to delays in governance implementation as a barrier to building compliant and trustworthy AI. She underlined the need for member states to align national strategies with the Apply AI framework and noted that large-scale AI infrastructure would require greater private-sector involvement.
In its adopted opinion, the EESC called for simpler access to funding, reduced administrative burdens, clearer intellectual property rules and sustained investment in AI skills. It also emphasised inclusive governance, urging the involvement of workers, SMEs, civil society and social partners in AI-related decision-making.
The discussion also highlighted the Commission-backed frontier AI initiative, which seeks to support the development of advanced, general-purpose AI models within Europe. Proponents argued that reducing reliance on non-European AI systems could strengthen digital sovereignty, provided it is pursued pragmatically and without creating new technological dependencies.
About EESC:
The European Economic and Social Committee is a consultative body of the European Union established in 1958. It serves as the voice of organised civil society in Europe, representing employers, workers, and civil society organisations. Through the expertise of its 329 members, the Committee contributes to improving the quality and effectiveness of EU policies and legislation.
