The EU Innovation Day 2025, organized by Meta in February 2025, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and AI experts to explore the role of emerging technologies in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. The event served as a platform for high-level discussions on the transformative potential of AI across education, business, and culture, emphasizing the need for strategic policies and cross-sector collaboration to harness its full potential.

One of the key sessions of the event focused on the role of AI in education, exploring how European leaders can empower educators and youth to make the most of artificial intelligence. The panel featured Zala Tomasic, Member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, Simona Petkova, Policy Officer for Digital Education at the European Commission, Lidija Kralj, an expert in AI and data in education, and Villano Qiriazi, Head of the Education Department at the Council of Europe. Moderated by Salvatore Moccia from EIT Digital, the discussion highlighted the opportunities and challenges AI presents in education, emphasizing the importance of equipping students and educators with the necessary digital skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. A representative of Connect International contributed to the discussions by highlighting key findings from the AI4Youth initiative. The intervention emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI policies safegouard young people’s rights. Connect International advocated for policies that address these challenges, stressing the need for ethical AI governance that protects young people while enabling them to benefit from technological advancements.