The reports, “Navigating Europe’s twin transition — opportunities and challenges of digitalisation in the green transition” and “Artificial intelligence and sustainable consumption in Europe”, examine how digitalisation affects climate policy, resource efficiency and economic resilience.
Environmental potential of AI
According to the EEA, digital technologies can improve environmental monitoring and data analysis. They can also increase efficiency in industrial production and support smarter energy and transport systems.
The agency states that artificial intelligence could influence consumer behaviour by improving access to information on products and services. Public and private procurement processes could also become more sustainability-focused.
Across supply chains, AI applications may help companies optimise logistics and reduce resource consumption.
Rising resource demand
At the same time, the EEA warns that digitalisation and AI are reshaping economic structures, consumption patterns and value chains at a rapid pace.
Without targeted regulation, these developments could increase demand for energy, water and raw materials. The agency also points to the risk of stronger dependencies on resource-intensive business models and growing social inequalities.
The expansion of data centres already contributes to higher demand for electricity, cooling water and critical raw materials. According to the EEA, the environmental footprint of data centres, digital networks and connected devices continues to grow despite efficiency gains.
Strategic challenge for Europe
The analysis comes amid rising geopolitical competition and economic uncertainty. In this context, digital technologies and AI are becoming increasingly important for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy.
The EEA therefore describes the combined digital and environmental transformation as a strategic policy challenge. The agency states that policymakers must actively guide innovation and regulation to ensure that digitalisation supports climate and sustainability objectives.
Relevance for EU legislation
The findings are relevant for the implementation of several European Union policy frameworks, including the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The regulation establishes rules for the development and use of AI systems across the European Union.
The briefings also relate to wider EU strategies that position digitalisation as a driver of economic competitiveness while supporting climate neutrality and resource efficiency.
According to the EEA, closer coordination between digital policy, environmental objectives and consumption-related measures will be necessary to ensure that Europe’s digital transformation contributes to long-term resilience and sustainability.
