BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) welcomes the European Commission’s forthcoming Apply AI Strategy as a timely opportunity to strengthen Europe’s position in global AI leadership, while cautioning against the risks of regulatory overreach and strict digital sovereignty. In its response submitted to the Commission’s consultation, BSA argues that the success of the strategy will depend on striking the right balance between innovation and regulation, and on encouraging open, values-based collaboration across borders.

Hadrien Valembois, BSA’s Director for Policy - EMEA, made the following statement:

“The Apply AI Strategy has the potential to do for artificial intelligence what the Digital Single Market did for connectivity: turn a patchwork of national efforts into a cohesive, forward-looking industrial vision. Europe is right to aim high. Applied responsibly, AI can transform how public services are delivered, improve outcomes, boost productivity across industries, and help solve major challenges.

But that vision must be built on solid ground. The AI Act has only just been adopted, and the focus should now be on careful and effective implementation. Creating new layers of requirements, either through secondary laws or new legislations, risks unsettling a legal framework that took several years to negotiate in order to strike a careful balance between safety and innovation.

We support Europe’s desire for greater technological autonomy, but sovereignty should not become a justification for shutting out trusted international partners. Many global tech companies, including our members, have made substantial efforts to align with EU rules, localize infrastructure, and invest in European talent. The Commission should encourage those efforts, not discourage them through rigid ownership or hosting requirements that could fragment the digital ecosystem.”

BSA’s submission further calls on the Commission to work collaboratively with industry, academia, and civil society to make the Apply AI Strategy a success. It also urges the EU to continue promoting AI upskilling, support SMEs in AI adoption, and reinforce the role of technical excellence in policy design. The full submission can be found here.