An increase in hiring in Europe in the AI sector is likely on the cards, thanks to the Eu’s recent €200 billion investment in AI. This, coupled with OpenAI establishing its first German office in Munich, speaks volumes. Not only is it an enormous validation of Europe’s AI talent pool, it’s also clear signal that Europe is a serious contender in the AI space, with a core focus on innovation and cutting-edge transformations.

This influx of investment and high-profile companies is excellent news, but it also presents a unique challenge: can Europe truly compete with the US in the AI arena? The US model is known for its rapid pace – often driven by a less regulated environment – and, of course, highly competitive tech salaries. Europe, while prioritising ethical AI development and robust governance (which are crucial), sometimes faces the perception of a slower, more cautious approach.

So, what does this mean for hiring in Europe?

The implications for hiring are significant. We’re seeing a surge in demand from a wide range of AI professionals, from engineers and researchers to data scientists, AI ethicists and product managers.

This high demand, however, creates a looming talent squeeze. Companies can’t afford to be passive when it comes to hiring. They need to be proactive and strategic to secure the best people. The competition is intense, not just from US tech giants, but almost amongst European business. Hiring in Europe is a competition – and everyone is vying for the same top talent.

More reading: the Venquis Tech Talent Hiring Guide 2025

How can Europe rise to the challenge?

This is where a nuanced understanding of the local market – particularly in Germany – becomes invaluable. This is where Tom Fernandez-Buckley’s, Director of DACH at Venquis, expertise comes in. Tom’s work in Germany over the last decade has given him unique insight into the German hiring market – and what motivates top talent to accept a new role:

Beyond compensation and benefits, Weiterbildung (continuing education) is highly valued. So highlighting clear career paths, training and mentorship programs and access to cutting-edge projects is essential.

Moreover, people want to work on challenging projects where they can push boundaries and make a difference. This is something that resonates strongly with German engineers and researchers – and is reflected across all hiring in Europe, not just Germany.

Finally, tapping into the existing tech communities and universities across Europe is crucial – luckily, we have an extensive database of candidates, having built relationships with key players in the European tech science, and AI field – providing our clients in Germany and beyond with access to a wider pool of talent.

I’m confident that hiring in Europe is set to thrive with the influx in AI investment in the region,” says Tom. “At Venquis, we’ve long been focused on attracting and nurturing AI talent and have seen some excellent candidates working on exciting AI projects across Europe. I’m always happy to chat more about specific strategies for hiring in Germany!

Whether you’re looking for AI roles in Germany, or are hiring in Europe in 2025, Venquis has got you covered. Reach out to Tom directly either via LinkedIn or drop him an email: tomf@venquis.com

Or why not tell us about your hiring needs, and a member of the team will reach out direct.