Speaking at the Italian Tech Week in Turin, Italy's automotive hub, von der Leyen urged the European Union to adopt an "AI first" strategy across strategic industries, with a focus on mobility. Von der Leyen proposed forming a network of European cities to pilot autonomous vehicles, saying 60 Italian mayors had already expressed interest. The EU chief also pledged the bloc's support for developing vehicles "made in Europe, and made for European streets". Von der Leyen said AI could help reduce congestion, link remote areas to public transport, and preserve jobs. "The future of cars – and the cars of the future – must be made in Europe," she said.