BRUSSELS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission unveiled its strategy for data and Artificial Intelligence(AI)on Wednesday, putting trustworthiness at the heart of its digital transformation.

The European Union's executive arm claimed that Europe is "a trusted digital leader," "a leader in trustworthy AI," and "a leader in the data economy," despite acknowledging the urgency of catching up with the United States and China.

Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, admitted that the EU "missed the first wave, or the first battle, which was the battle of personal data," but he insisted the bloc is prepared to lead the next battle of "big data."

Values such as democracy, openness and sustainability feature in the European Commission' s trust-centered strategy.

As a collection of wide-ranging plans, the strategy includes creating a single European market for data and taking sector-specific actions for industrial manufacturing, the green deal, mobility and health.

More stringent regulations are in the making, as the European Commission mentioned clear rules to address high-risk and low-risk AI systems, as well as strict EU rules for consumer protection.

The strategy is not a law and is now open for public consultation. The European Commission said it will present related legislations and regulations later this year, which will have to be ratified by the European Parliament.