Key facts
- France and Germany are calling for European AI sovereignty at the VivaTech conference.
- The call for sovereignty is driven by U.S. restrictions on access to advanced AI models, such as Anthropic's.
- European ministers view AI sovereignty as necessary for agency and not isolationist protectionism.
- Germany is pursuing a national data centre strategy and sovereign cloud infrastructure.
- Bilateral initiatives between France and Germany are highlighted as a starting point for European AI development.
France and Germany have issued a joint call for European AI sovereignty at the VivaTech conference in Paris, emphasizing the urgent need for the continent to build its own technological capabilities. This initiative is a direct response to recent U.S. restrictions on foreign access to advanced AI models, which have heightened concerns about Europe's reliance on American technology.
Roland Lescure, France's minister for the economy, finance, industry and energy sovereignty, acknowledged the worries surrounding AI but cautioned against fear, stressing that collaboration between European nations is key. He highlighted the historical significance of the Franco-German relationship in driving European progress.