Advancing AI adoption in EU public administrations: Future directions and opportunities under the Apply AI Strategy

This report examines future pathways for advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administrations, building on the policy direction outlined in the European Commission’s Apply AI strategy (COM(2025) 723), adopted on 8 October 2025, with the aim of accelerating AI adoption across Europe. Public administrations play, and will continue to play, a strategic role in the European Union’s efforts to foster AI adoption across the EU. The Apply AI strategy recognises the public sector as a key domain for the effective adoption of AI. In this context, public administrations are encouraged to introduce AI strategically into their operations, while carefully assessing its benefits and associated risks. The report contextualises and offers advice on implementing the directives set out in the Apply AI strategy, presenting an AI adoption framework structured around three core activities: anchoring AI adoption in EU policies, regulations and principles; adapting the capabilities of public administrations; and applying AI in high-impact domains where it creates public value, supported by a prior assessment of real-world needs and continuous monitoring of impact and risks. Furthermore, the report provides insights and recommendations for EU Member States and public administrations, outlining a structured and forward-looking approach to leveraging AI for efficient, trustworthy and people-centric public administration.