EU report calls for structured adoption of generative AI across public administrations
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has published a report urging public administrations to move beyond informal experimentation with generative AI and adopt structured governance frameworks that support secure, responsible, and effective implementation.
A new report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) concludes that while generative AI is gaining traction across European public administrations, governments need to establish clearer governance structures to ensure its safe and effective use. The report argues that the next phase of AI adoption should focus on organisational readiness, secure deployment, and long-term strategic planning rather than ad hoc experimentation.
Drawing on interviews conducted across eight public administrations, the report identifies a growing disconnect between employees’ increasing use of generative AI tools and the capacity of organisations to manage their deployment. Civil servants reported that AI can improve productivity and support administrative tasks, but the use of publicly available AI services outside official systems raises concerns about data protection, information security, oversight, and compliance with public sector standards.
To address these challenges, the JRC proposes a four-stage maturity model designed to help public administrations assess and strengthen their AI capabilities. The model outlines a progression from initial experimentation to fully integrated and governed AI use, with recommendations that include developing secure technical infrastructure, investing in workforce training, establishing clear governance and oversight mechanisms, and promoting cooperation across public institutions.
The report also emphasises that successful AI adoption requires more than access to advanced technologies. It highlights the importance of organisational change, institutional capacity, and responsible implementation practices as essential components of trustworthy AI deployment in the public sector.
The findings contribute to the European Union’s broader efforts to support the responsible use of artificial intelligence in government, complementing ongoing work to strengthen AI governance, improve public sector digital transformation, and build public trust in emerging technologies.
