Commission steps up efforts to accelerate AI adoption in the public sector

Across Europe, public administrations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise services, reduce administrative burden and deliver better results for citizens and businesses. Yet, despite growing momentum, many administrations still face common hurdles: fragmented data sources, limited access to trustworthy tools, low levels of AI literacy, and uncertainty about how to deploy AI responsibly. 

Recognising these challenges and the strategic importance of public administrations in driving Europe’s digital transformation, the Commission is introducing targeted actions under the Apply AI Strategy to help public authorities integrate AI efficiently, safely and at scale. 

Putting AI at the heart of Europe’s public services 

The new actions focus on giving administrations practical tools, guidance and incentives to embrace an AI-first approach. Key measures include: 

• A dedicated Public Sector AI Toolbox - a shared EU repository of practical, open-source and reusable AI solutions and guidance to support interoperability and help administrations move quickly from pilots to real operations. This will include the Public Sector AI & Interoperability Readiness (PAIR) Pathway, a step-by-step guidance providing administrations with user journeys and concrete examples of how to build AI public services tailored to their needs.
• An updated European Interoperability Framework incorporating ‘AI first’ principles - ensuring that public bodies across Europe can design, procure and manage digital services that are interoperable, future-proof and ready to leverage AI by default. 

Strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty through public sector innovation 

Together, these measures aim to empower administrations not only to work more efficiently and reduce red tape for citizens and businesses, but also to stimulate demand for European, trustworthy, open-source AI solutions. By acting as early adopters, public administrations can help strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and support the growth of its AI ecosystem. 

By embedding AI into the everyday functioning of public authorities, the Apply AI Strategy sets the foundations for a modern, efficient and citizen-focused public sector. Combined with the broader sectoral and cross-cutting initiatives of the Strategy, these actions will help ensure that AI becomes a strategic asset for Europe supporting competitiveness, innovation and high-quality public services across the Union. 

Catch up with our webinar  

The Public Sector Tech Watch organised the workshop “Apply AI: Identifying public administrations needs for AI adoption” online on 11 December.   

Hosted by the European Commission, this interactive session supported the preparation of the Apply AI Strategy with a dedicated focus on the public sector. The workshop aimed to map the needs of public administrations across Europe and gather valuable input for the development of the Strategy’s AI Toolbox. A summary will be available on Interoperable Europe Portal and Interoperable Europe - LinkedIn.