Global AI Governance: A Review of AI Policies and Initiatives in EMEA and Western and Central Asia

PUBLISHED: February 11, 2026

PAGES: 21 Pages

DELIVERY TIME: 1-2 business days

Description

This IDC Market Perspective reviews key AI strategy and policy announcements from countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) as well as Central and Western Asia. 2025 was the year of AI worldwide, and these countries have set strategic goals and designed governance to foster their long-term competitive position."Despite differences in economic size, digital maturity, and ability to mobilize funding toward ambitious programs and initiatives, countries in EMEA and Western and Central Asia have developed AI policies that show common traits, such as heightened importance of digital sovereignty and sponsorship of AI programs by the most senior elected officials," said Massimiliano Claps, research director, IDC.

Product Code: US51026323

Executive Snapshot

Key takeaways
Recommended actions

New Market Developments and Dynamics

Increasing AI maturity within EMEA and Central and Western Asia governments
Central and Eastern Europe
- Croatia
- Poland
- Slovenia
Nordics and Baltic States
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Sweden
Western Europe
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- The U.K.
Central and Western Asia
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
Middle East and Northern Africa
- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Kenya
- South Africa
Conclusions and considerations
- Policy trends: Strategic ambitions
  - Sovereignty on the rise
  - Public sector transformation as the anchor of AI innovation
  - Investing in talent
  - Strategic ambitions: Dependencies to address
- Policy trends: Governance posture
  - Senior leadership
  - Balancing responsibility and innovation
  - Ecosystem collaboration
  - AI diplomacy
- Mapping countries' AI policies, strategies, and initiatives against strategic ambition and governance pillars