Looking to stay ahead in the AI space? Europe offers a wealth of opportunities through events, communities, and media outlets. From Paris to Berlin, cities across the region are hubs for AI innovation, ethical practices, and sovereign infrastructure. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Key Conferences: Events like the RAISE Summit in Paris (9,000+ attendees) and GITEX AI Europe in Berlin focus on connecting professionals and exploring AI's latest applications.
- Active Communities: Platforms like the European AI Forum (3,000+ members) and AI-on-Demand (1M+ resources) provide networking, funding opportunities, and industry updates.
- Major Investments: Initiatives like Mistral AI's €1.3 billion data center in Sweden highlight Europe's push for independent computing power.
- Top Media Resources: Newsletters (e.g., European AI Newsletter) and webinars (e.g., European AI Alliance's Apply AI series) keep professionals informed year-round.
Whether you're interested in conferences, local meetups, or online platforms, Europe has everything you need to stay informed and connected in AI.
Europe's AI Ecosystem: Key Events, Communities, and Resources by the Numbers
Unlocking Europe’s AI Potential: GenAI Trends, Barriers, and Opportunities | AWS Events
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Major AI Conferences in Europe
Europe's AI scene thrives not just through its infrastructure but also via its renowned conferences. These events bring together professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, foster connections, and explore the latest advancements in AI. Here's a closer look at some of the continent's standout gatherings.
RAISE Summit: Global AI Conference in Paris
The RAISE Summit, hosted at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, draws an impressive crowd of over 9,000 attendees and features more than 350 speakers. This event offers a blend of keynote speeches, hackathons, and specialized tracks focusing on sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and finance. A notable perk is the live Q&A sessions, where attendees can engage directly with speakers. Ticket prices vary, starting at €599 for developers and startups, while VIP MAX passes, which include exclusive dinners and lounge access, cost up to €3,499 [9].
GITEX AI Europe in Berlin
Taking place at Messe Berlin from 30 June to 1 July 2026, GITEX AI Europe aims to bridge the gap between research and industry. This conference emphasizes practical AI applications and business partnerships, making it a hub for professionals eager to network and gain technical insights. With a focus on startups and industry dialogue, participants can explore how AI is shaping various sectors [2].
AI WEEK in Milan
AI WEEK, scheduled for 19–20 May 2026 in Milan, showcases a massive lineup of over 700 speakers and 250 exhibitors. It also features niche summits, such as dedicated tracks for startups and healthcare, offering something for every AI enthusiast.
IJCAI-ECAI in Bremen
From 15 to 21 August 2026, IJCAI-ECAI in Bremen caters primarily to academics and researchers. This conference is known for its deep dives into research presentations and technical discussions, making it a must-attend for those in the academic AI community.
IEEE Conference on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) in Granada
Held from 8 to 10 May 2026 in Granada, the IEEE CAI focuses on the technical hurdles of designing and deploying AI systems. It's a space where experts tackle the challenges of real-world AI implementation.
These conferences are vital to Europe's dynamic AI landscape, offering platforms for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, supported by active communities and dedicated media outlets.
AI Communities and Meetups in Europe
In addition to major conferences, local events play a crucial role in keeping the AI community active and engaged throughout the year. These smaller gatherings provide opportunities for focused discussions, networking, and hands-on learning in a more personal setting.
AI Meetups in Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam
Cities like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam are hubs for AI meetups, covering topics such as generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and AI agents. For example, the Paris AI Developers Group organises tech talks, workshops, and coding sessions on machine learning and MLOps [10]. Another notable platform, AICamp, frequently hosts meetups in Paris and Amsterdam, often collaborating with major tech companies like Google Cloud to offer practical, skill-focused sessions [10][11].
In Berlin, events like the "AI Memory and Founders Night | Agentic AI, Knowledge Graphs & AI Systems" provide a space for founders and professionals to connect. This particular meetup, held on 26 February 2026, focused on technical networking and innovation [12]. Most of these events are either free or require a simple RSVP [11].
Online Platforms for Event Listings
Finding AI meetups across Europe has been made easier thanks to dedicated online platforms. For instance, dev.events acts as a directory, categorising technical events by region and topic. As of 22 February 2026, the platform listed 49 active AI meetups and 156 scheduled AI conferences for the 2026/2027 period [12][13]. Germany and the United Kingdom lead the way, hosting 12 and 15 active events, respectively [12].
Other platforms also contribute to connecting AI professionals. The European AI Alliance on Futurium focuses on policy-related events and webinars centred on AI ethics and regulation [5]. Meanwhile, the AI-on-Demand (AIoD) Platform highlights research and innovation events, supported by over 45 partners and contributing over one million resources to Europe's AI ecosystem [3]. The EIT AI Community, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, lists industry-specific events, webinars, and challenges that often include funding opportunities for startups [14][8].
These platforms and meetups collectively strengthen Europe's AI landscape, providing continuous opportunities for collaboration and learning between major conferences.
AI Media and Publications
While events and meetups foster face-to-face collaboration, publications and webinars ensure that Europe's AI community stays connected and informed remotely.
AI Newsletters and Blogs
Keeping up with Europe's AI developments between conferences means turning to trusted publications. One standout is The European AI Newsletter, authored by Charlotte Stix. It serves over 3,200 AI professionals, offering in-depth analysis of the AI Act, standardisation initiatives, and progress on European Large Language Models [15][17].
Another key resource is the European AI Forum (EAIF) Newsletter, which delivers monthly updates from the continent's largest network of AI associations. According to EAIF:
"The European AI Forum (EAIF) is the umbrella organisation of national European AI associations and clusters. Combined, we represent over 3,000 members, making us the largest European AI organisation" [16].
This newsletter dives into regional updates and regulatory news from across Europe.
For a spotlight on success stories and interviews with AI innovators, The EIT AI Community News is an excellent choice. It covers sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and urban mobility. In November 2024, the platform featured Mayday.ai, the startup that won the EIT AI Challenge 2024 for revolutionising wildfire detection and response [1][8]. Meanwhile, the AI-MATTERS Newsletter focuses on quarterly updates in high-tech manufacturing and Europe's Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) [18].
Beyond written content, webinars offer interactive opportunities to hear directly from experts.
Webinars and Online Seminars
The European AI Alliance runs the Apply AI Webinar Series through the Futurium platform. These sessions focus on the "AI First" strategy, promoting AI adoption in healthcare, manufacturing, and mobility. They are closely aligned with EU policy initiatives and highlight the Apply AI Strategy, which:
"supports the integration of AI in strategic sectors through an 'AI First' policy, encouraging companies to consider AI as a primary solution to tackle challenges" [5].
For those in research, the AI for Good Webinar Series, led by ELLIS, explores how AI can address societal challenges. Additionally, the ELLIS x UniReps Speaker Series offers virtual talks and reading groups focused on advanced machine learning research [19].
How to Stay Updated Year-Round
Keeping up with developments in AI throughout the year is easier when you know where to look. With a mix of events, policy updates, and collaboration opportunities, several platforms make it simple to stay informed month by month.
One standout resource is the European AI Forum (EAIF), which offers monthly updates through its Substack newsletter. Beyond that, it connects startups, researchers, and corporations through a matchmaking platform focused on Horizon Europe funding opportunities [4][20].
Another helpful tool is the AI-on-Demand (AIoD) Platform, which gathers AI-related news, event details, and press releases. It also provides direct access to experts via its "Pool of Experts" and community forums, making it an excellent choice for those seeking deeper insights [3][21].
For those interested in policy and skill development, the European AI Alliance on Futurium hosts exclusive discussions tailored to specific sectors. Meanwhile, the EIT AI Community's SkillSync platform offers personalized, AI-driven skill recommendations and organizes B2B matchmaking events to foster professional connections [5][8][14].
Lastly, don’t overlook national EAIF calendars or community-led fringe events. Hackathons held alongside major festivals, for example, provide excellent opportunities to dive deeper into AI developments. Staying engaged with these resources ensures you're always in the loop with Europe’s evolving AI landscape.
Conclusion
Europe's AI scene is brimming with opportunities for professionals wanting to stay connected and informed. In 2025 alone, over 77 AI conferences are planned across various European cities, offering plenty of chances to engage with the community[7]. Communities like Rise of AI, with more than 30,000 members, further highlight the growing network of AI enthusiasts and experts[6].
This ecosystem thrives on a blend of face-to-face events and online resources. Conferences often include technical workshops, where registration fees typically range between €200 and €800, providing hands-on learning experiences[7]. Meanwhile, digital platforms remain a reliable source of information, reinforcing the strong online presence in Europe's AI landscape[3].
For those navigating Europe's regulatory environment, attending these events can be invaluable. Many conferences and forums shed light on implementing the European AI Act and GDPR-compliant solutions, offering practical guidance[7]. Additionally, sector-specific webinars and matchmaking platforms simplify access to Horizon Europe funding opportunities, further supporting innovation across the continent[4].
Staying engaged is key. Early registration - ideally 6 to 8 months in advance - can help save on costs, while hybrid event formats make participation more accessible for a wider audience[7]. These approaches ensure that professionals remain deeply connected to Europe's ever-evolving AI ecosystem.
FAQs
Which European AI events are best for startups vs researchers?
For startups, the EU-Startups Summit (24–25 April 2025, Malta) and the Rise of AI Conference (2025, Paris) provide fantastic opportunities to connect with industry peers, participate in pitch competitions, and expand your network within the startup ecosystem.
For researchers, events like ECAI 2025 (25–30 October, Bologna) and CBMS 2026 (June, Limassol) focus on advanced AI research. These gatherings feature tutorials, workshops, and discussions, making them perfect for academics and scientists diving deep into the latest developments in the field.
How can I find local AI meetups in my city all year?
To find AI meetups happening throughout the year in your city, check out platforms that specialise in listing regular events. Many of these sites categorise meetups by region and city, with frequent gatherings in major hubs like Paris or London. Groups like Neurons.AI or london.ai also organise events that dive into AI applications across different industries. These resources are updated often, making it easier to stay in the loop about upcoming meetups.
Which sources best track EU AI Act and policy updates?
If you're looking to stay updated on the latest developments around the EU AI Act and related policies, two standout resources can help:
- AI Watch: This platform provides research and insights focused on trustworthy AI. It's a go-to source for understanding the broader implications and trends in AI policy within Europe.
- EU Artificial Intelligence Tracker by Technology Law: A tool specifically designed to monitor key dates and significant updates regarding EU AI regulations. It's an excellent resource for staying on top of critical legislative milestones.
Both of these sources offer reliable and up-to-date information to keep you informed about European AI policies.
