Europe has not lost global AI race, Metsola says

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola insisted that Europe has not lost the global artificial intelligence race, but must improve access to financing, support innovative businesses, and reduce energy costs to remain competitive.

Metsola spoke during an informal European Council meeting in Dublin, which brought EU leaders together to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence and security in the bloc while negotiations continue on the next seven-year budget.

“Europe has world-class talent, technological expertise and industrial experience to lead in AI,” she said. “What we need now is to ensure that our ideas have the financing they need to grow and succeed in Europe.”

Metsola also called attention to the ongoing war on Ukraine, stressing that Europe’s commitment must be matched by predictable and sustainable funding.

While affirmed that the EU’s priority must remain achieving peace in the region, she also underlined the importance of reinforcing the bloc’s security.

Metsola linked these priorities to the ongoing negotiations on the long-term budget for 2028-2034, which she said must address both the challenges facing the EU and the ambitions it seeks to achieve.