As the European Union strives to carve out a leadership role in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, a complex balance must be struck between fostering technological innovation and upholding European values such as fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Experts from the European Alliance for Research Excellence (EARE) highlight that Europe’s path to becoming a global AI powerhouse hinges on ensuring broad and varied data access for research and innovation, data that is indispensable for training reliable, unbiased AI models. This approach, they argue, must be coupled with open data policies and interoperability across Member States, alongside increased public-private collaboration that unites diverse actors, from universities and research institutions to AI start-ups and companies. Such unity, framed as “united in diversity,” could enable Europe to lead responsibly in AI development while translating research breakthroughs into tangible benefits, including new medicines and climate solutions.

The EU has demonstrated ambition through initiatives like the AI Continent Action Plan, the Apply AI Strategy, and the RAISE platform, all designed to consolidate its AI research leadership by fostering the free movement of knowledge, a so-called “fifth freedom.” However, researchers still encounter significant hurdles. Limited access to extensive datasets remains a persistent problem, compounded by legal uncertainties that stem from fragmented implementation of copyright rules, especially around Text and Data Mining (TDM) exceptions. These exceptions are critical for AI innovation but face challenges due to ambiguous mechanisms, varied interpretations of “commercial” versus “non-commercial” research, and paywalls that restrict data use even when rights exist. Advocates stress the urgency of legal clarity and the harmonisation of copyright policies to reflect modern research realities, which increasingly involve mixed funding and cross-border collaboration.

From a regulatory standpoint, Europe’s leadership extends beyond technology to setting global ethical standards. José Cepeda, Rapporteur for the Council of Europe Convention on AI, the first binding international AI treaty, argues that integrating ethical principles with innovation fosters trust, legal certainty, and competitiveness. This ethical framework is seen not only as a moral imperative but also as a strategic advantage for gaining stature on the world stage. Europe’s AI ambition, therefore, requires investment in strategic AI infrastructure such as high-performance computing, quantum capabilities, and data centres, particularly to support SMEs and startups. Equally important is investment in human capital, expanding AI literacy, attracting global talent, and enhancing researcher mobility, to close the skills gap that threatens to hold Europe behind innovation hubs like the U.S. and Asia.

Regarding data and copyright frameworks, the call from experts and advocacy groups such as EARE is clear: the EU must adopt harmonized open data policies and fully enshrine TDM exceptions under the Copyright Directive. They recommend abolishing restrictive distinctions between commercial and non-commercial research by creating clear, machine-readable opt-out provisions that provide legal certainty for researchers and innovators. Furthermore, the introduction of EU-wide Secondary Publication Rights (SPRs) is proposed to ensure immediate access to publicly funded research outputs. This shift aims to support a more innovation-friendly environment that protects creators without stifling scientific progress, grey areas in copyright law currently undermine public-private partnerships and slow down AI development.

The European Commission’s AI Continent Action Plan reflects these priorities by focusing on building large-scale AI computing infrastructures, enhancing access to high-quality data, and encouraging AI adoption in strategic sectors to bolster competitiveness and economic growth. Complementing this, the Council of the European Union has called for an inclusive, ethical, sustainable, and human-centric strategy for AI uptake in science, which emphasises AI’s role in addressing global challenges and accelerating Europe’s digital transition. Together, these policies frame AI not just as a technological challenge but as a broader societal opportunity that must align with Europe’s values.

Looking ahead, Europe’s competitive edge may well rest on its ability to transform its ethical standards into global benchmarks. The vision articulated by leaders in the space is one of Europe not merely catching up or competing but shaping a digital future through regulation, investment, and international partnerships. By prioritising legal clarity, open data access, strategic infrastructure, and a human-centric AI model, the EU aspires to both lead by principle and succeed by example on the international stage.

📌 Reference Map:

  • [1] The Parliament Magazine – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • [2] European Alliance for Research Excellence (EARE) – Paragraphs 1, 3, 5
  • [3] European Commission – Paragraph 4
  • [4] EARE on Generative AI and Copyright – Paragraph 3
  • [5] EARE on Apply AI Strategy – Paragraph 4
  • [6] EARE on Legal Clarity for Data and AI – Paragraph 3
  • [7] Council of the European Union – Paragraph 4

Source: Noah Wire Services