The European Council has approved conclusions responding to a European Court of Auditors (ECA) report that calls for stronger governance and targeted investments to enhance the European Union’s artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions. The decision underscores the EU’s commitment to scaling up AI investments, fostering collaboration, and solidifying its position as a global leader in AI innovation and governance.

 
The Council agreed with the ECA’s findings that the EU must significantly increase AI investments and improve access to digital infrastructure. To remain competitive on a global scale, the Council emphasized the importance of fostering talent and building an AI ecosystem characterized by excellence and trust.

Beyond economic competitiveness, the environmental impact of AI systems and high-performance computing was highlighted as a critical consideration. The Council stressed the need for policies promoting energy-efficient AI technologies and securing a reliable hardware supply chain to support sustainable growth in the sector.

 
The Council emphasized the importance of close collaboration between EU member states and international organizations to maximize the impact of AI investments. It urged the European Commission to intensify information sharing with the Council and preparatory bodies to align strategies and maintain the EU’s active engagement in international AI discussions.

 
The Council concurred with the ECA’s recommendation for measurable performance indicators to assess the success of AI research and innovation (R&I) projects. However, it warned that such metrics should not create additional burdens for member states, beneficiaries, or implementing bodies. Instead, these indicators should be designed to support the overall objectives of AI projects without hindering their development.

 
The Council’s conclusions build upon insights from the ECA’s May 2024 report, EU Artificial Intelligence Ambition – Stronger Governance and Increased, More Focused Investment Essential Going Forward. The report evaluated the effectiveness of EU actions between 2018 and 2023, highlighting the need for enhanced coordination and evaluation mechanisms for AI research and innovation.

 
While the European Commission has increased funding for AI R&I, the ECA found that the financial support lacked a robust performance monitoring framework. Additionally, the ECA noted that the EU’s regulatory and coordination frameworks were still evolving, limiting their impact on member states.

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