Ireland uses the European AI summit to push for trusted AI and more investment

14–15 October 2026 · Dublin, Ireland · European AI policy

The Dublin Declaration puts competitiveness alongside safety

Ireland has secured international backing for the Dublin Declaration on Trusted, Safe and Sovereign Artificial Intelligence, announced around the International AI Summit on 14 October.

The declaration sets out a shared political ambition for European countries to cooperate on AI safety, resilience, research, skills, digital infrastructure and the adoption of AI by businesses and public services. It also emphasises collaboration with trusted international partners.

The declaration is not a new EU law. It is a political commitment intended to reinforce cooperation between participating countries and complement work already under way at European level.

The timing is important. Europe has spent considerable effort establishing regulatory rules for AI. Policymakers now also want to accelerate deployment so that European companies can compete more effectively in global markets.

Ireland’s economic strategy

Ireland is trying to position itself as a place where AI businesses can develop, test and scale their products. The government has outlined a range of initiatives, including:

A €21 million AI startup accelerator programme.
An additional €45 million for its technology-centre programme by 2030.
A commitment of €120 million to participation in strategic European technology projects, including AI and semiconductors.
A regulatory sandbox intended to help innovators test AI solutions while engaging with regulators. DETE

These initiatives are intended to strengthen the connections between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and established companies.

Why Ireland matters to the rest of Europe

Ireland has a substantial international technology presence and has attracted major technology and cloud businesses. That gives it an opportunity to connect research, infrastructure, international investment and commercial AI adoption.

But there is a balancing act. Data centres and AI infrastructure can bring investment and support digital services, while also putting pressure on electricity supply, land availability and local infrastructure.

The challenge is to turn Ireland’s existing technology ecosystem into broader economic value, including stronger local companies and AI adoption across industries, rather than relying solely on its role as a location for international technology operations.

What this means for European businesses

The declaration highlights a practical shift in policy: governments increasingly want evidence that AI adoption produces measurable benefits.

For businesses, that means the conversation is moving beyond whether AI is innovative. Companies will increasingly be expected to demonstrate how AI improves productivity, creates useful products, reduces costs or strengthens competitiveness—while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

What to watch next: the implementation of the declaration, the availability of support for startups and small businesses, and whether other European countries announce concrete measures to accelerate AI adoption.

Source: Irish Department of Enterprise — Dublin Declaration on Trusted AI