EU AI office provides roadmap to strengthen Europe’s position in frontier AI

A new expert report shows that there is a need for faster investment, stronger infrastructure, and closer international partnerships

The European Union has outlined a new vision to improve its position in frontier artificial intelligence, following the publication of a report by the European Commission’s AI office that brings together insights from more than 100 leading experts.

Released on 15 July 2026, the report examines how Europe can improve its competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and security as AI capabilities continue to advance rapidly.

It also identifies the next steps needed to ensure the EU can remain an influential player in one of the world’s fastest-moving technologies.

According to the report, frontier AI has evolved strongly over the past few years, with systems progressing from handling relatively simple tasks to demonstrating capabilities that increasingly challenge existing evaluation methods.

While Europe continues to produce world-class AI research and educate a significant share of the world’s AI talent, the report notes that much of the development of frontier AI models is taking place outside the EU. The region also faces challenges in scaling computing infrastructure and attracting the level of investment needed to compete with global leaders.

The findings suggest that the next one to two years could be particularly important, with decisions made during this period likely to shape Europe’s long-term position in the AI landscape.

A important message from the report it that Europe must create more attractive conditions for AI innovation and investment.

Experts identified access to advanced computing infrastructure and the energy needed to power it as immediate priorities. They also highlighted the importance of improving access to growth-stage funding, providing greater legal clarity around copyright and data protection for AI training, and strengthening efforts to attract and retain highly skilled talent.

Alongside these structural improvements, the report suggests supporting carefully selected high-risk, high-reward AI projects that could help Europe develop leadership across the AI ecosystem, including emerging technologies and alternative approaches to AI development.

Recognising that many of the world’s most advanced AI models are currently developed outside Europe, the report argues that the EU should strengthen its ability to access, evaluate and benefit from frontier AI while maintaining greater strategic control.

Rather than relying just on domestic development, the report highlights the importance of understanding Europe’s strengths across the AI value chain.

These include the size of the European market, its industrial capabilities, regulatory influence and expertise in several areas of AI technology.

The report also identifies collaboration with trusted international partners as an important way to strengthen Europe’s capabilities and increase its influence in the global AI landscape.

The report emphasises that technological progress in AI is moving quickly and that public policy must keep pace. It recommends setting ambitious objectives for 2030 while ensuring that frontier AI remains a political priority across European institutions.

To support this effort, the AI Office plans to organise the recommendations by priority and work with EU institutions and member states to put them into practice. Further engagement with the Expert Forum will continue through workshops and written contributions, with future updates expected on both the implementation of strategic actions and the development of the EU’s Frontier AI Initiative.