The European Commission has appointed Jim Hagemann Snabe as Special Envoy for Industrial Artificial Intelligence, tasking the veteran technology executive with advising
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen on the future of industrial AI in Europe.
As part of his mandate, Snabe will prepare an evidence-based, forward-looking report containing recommendations on how the European Union can accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence and strengthen its digital sovereignty.
His advisory role will cover the entire industrial AI ecosystem, with particular attention to critical infrastructure such as data centres, high-performance computing (HPC) systems and semiconductor supply chains. He will also provide guidance on foundational AI technologies, including large language models (LLMs), generative AI, cloud computing services and advanced AI software.
In addition, Snabe will advise on the adoption of AI across key industrial sectors and contribute to policy discussions aimed at aligning technological innovation with the EU’s evolving regulatory framework.
A Danish national, Snabe brings more than 25 years of experience in the technology sector. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership and board positions across industries including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and clean technology. The Commission cited his extensive expertise in innovation, digital transformation and industrial competitiveness as key reasons for the appointment.
According to the Commission, Snabe’s combination of strategic leadership, industrial knowledge and technology expertise will help support Europe’s ambitions to accelerate the deployment and uptake of industrial AI while ensuring responsible business practices.
The position will be non-remunerated, and Snabe will serve as a Special Adviser until 31 March 2027. The Commission said it conducted a comprehensive assessment before the appointment to ensure there were no conflicts of interest related to his professional activities outside the institution.
To maintain compliance with the Commission’s rules for Special Advisers, Snabe will suspend his roles on the advisory board of Google Cloud and on the board of AI software company C3.ai for the duration of his mandate.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the EU’s AI agenda. The Commission recently unveiled its AI Continent Action Plan, designed to strengthen Europe’s computing infrastructure, data capabilities, AI skills and adoption across member states. The initiative complements the broader Technological Sovereignty Package, the Competitiveness Compass and the Economic Security Strategy, while supporting future projects such as the planned AI Gigafactories.
Special Advisers are appointed by the Commission to provide specialist expertise in areas of strategic importance. Through Snabe’s appointment, Brussels aims to accelerate Europe’s industrial AI ambitions and reinforce the bloc’s position in the global race for advanced technologies. Photo by World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, Wikimedia commons.