The first meeting of the #CEEAIChallenger 2026 roundtable series took place in Bucharest under the theme "Fueling the future: Scaling AI investment in CEE." The discussion brought together representatives of government institutions, financial organisations, regulatory authorities, industry associations and the private sector to explore how Central and Eastern Europe can unlock its AI potential through more effective investment strategies.

Co-organised by ANIS, the roundtable focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing the region's digital transformation: translating CEE's strong talent base and research capabilities into globally competitive AI companies and solutions. Participants exchanged views on how to mobilise capital more effectively, align funding instruments with market needs, and ensure that investments lead not only to innovation, but also to deployment and long-term economic growth.

Opening the discussion, participants underlined that artificial intelligence has become a strategic priority for both governments and businesses. At the same time, they stressed that investment alone will not be sufficient if Europe continues to operate as a fragmented market.

- We must use the platform of existing cooperation frameworks in the region, such as the Three Seas Initiative, while avoiding mistakes made during our previous regional digital investments. Central and Eastern European AI ecosystems can greatly benefit from building a coherent regional strategy for investments, development and adoption of AI across the region. It is our job as the industry to support our governments in exchanging interesting examples of successful policies and projects, spreading best practices in our countries - said Michał Kanownik, President of the Digital Poland Association.

Several speakers highlighted that CEE starts from a position of strength, with a highly skilled workforce, recognised research institutions and a growing startup ecosystem. However, the region continues to struggle with access to capital, particularly at the scale-up stage, where many promising companies seek financing outside Europe.

Participants agreed that addressing this challenge requires a combination of European, national and private funding, supported by closer cooperation with academia and stronger public-private partnerships. A predictable and harmonised regulatory framework was also identified as an essential condition for attracting investment and retaining both talent and capital within Europe.

The discussion also emphasised the importance of building on existing regional cooperation mechanisms. The Three Seas Initiative was repeatedly mentioned as a potential platform for advancing joint AI priorities and exploring new financial instruments capable of supporting cross-border innovation projects.

Examples of policy solutions already being developed in Romania were presented during the meeting, including initiatives aimed at coordinating public investment efforts, supporting SMEs in adopting AI technologies, strengthening links between universities and industry, and creating incentives encouraging entrepreneurs and technology specialists to establish and grow businesses within the region.

Participants further noted that CEE should focus not on replicating the models of the world's largest AI players, but rather on leveraging its industrial strengths and developing specialised solutions addressing regional needs. Such an approach, combined with targeted investment and greater regional coordination, could allow Central and Eastern Europe to strengthen its position within the European AI landscape.

The Bucharest meeting marks the beginning of the CEE AI Challenger 2026 roundtable series, which will continue across the region, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to identify practical solutions for accelerating AI development and adoption in Central and Eastern Europe.