France and Germany Call for European AI Sovereignty at VivaTech
Poinews.com – At the 2026 VivaTech conference in Paris, France and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to achieving European AI sovereignty, positioning the continent as a leader in the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The event, which brings together global tech innovators, became a platform for ministers from both nations to highlight the urgent need for a coordinated European approach to AI. Their joint statement emphasized that without a unified strategy, Europe risks ceding control over critical technologies to external powers, particularly the United States and China. This push for European AI sovereignty comes amid growing concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the geopolitical implications of AI advancements.
The Strategic Imperative of AI Sovereignty
The concept of European AI sovereignty is rooted in the idea that the continent should maintain autonomy over its digital infrastructure and AI systems. France’s Minister of Economy, Roland Lescure, underscored this during his keynote address, stating, “France and Germany call for European AI sovereignty as a cornerstone of our technological independence.” He argued that the rapid evolution of AI necessitates a proactive framework to ensure that European values, such as transparency and ethical standards, remain central to its development. Lescure also warned that failing to act decisively could leave Europe vulnerable to external influence, particularly in areas like data governance and AI regulation.
“The real power of European AI sovereignty lies in its ability to protect our citizens and shape the future of technology on our terms,” said Lescure. “When France and Germany call for European AI sovereignty, we are not just setting a goal—we are taking responsibility for the continent’s future.”
Collaborative Efforts and Policy Frameworks
Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Transformation, Karsten Wildberger, echoed Lescure’s sentiments, stressing the importance of European AI sovereignty in ensuring resilience against geopolitical shifts. He pointed to the U.S. decision to restrict access to Anthropic’s latest AI models for foreign nationals as a catalyst for European action. “France and Germany call for European AI sovereignty because it allows us to control the rules of the game,” Wildberger explained. “Rules can change overnight, but with sovereignty, we ensure our long-term strategic advantage.”
“Sovereignty isn’t about isolation—it’s about creating a framework where Europe can thrive independently,” Wildberger added. “Our goal is to build a digital ecosystem that prioritizes innovation, security, and ethical principles.”
Both ministers highlighted the importance of collaboration between nations, noting that European AI sovereignty requires not only policy alignment but also shared investment in infrastructure. Wildberger revealed that Germany is advancing a national data centre initiative, which aims to quadruple its AI capacity by 2030. This, he argued, is essential to reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers and ensuring that Europe can sustain its technological growth without external dependencies.
Europe’s Innovation Potential and Startup Ecosystem
While government-led initiatives are vital, the ministers also recognized the role of Europe’s startup community in driving the European AI sovereignty agenda. Wildberger acknowledged that startups are the true champions of innovation, stating, “France and Germany call for European AI sovereignty, but it’s the startups that bring it to life.” He cited examples of European firms developing cutting-edge AI solutions, from quantum computing to green energy applications, as evidence of the continent’s untapped potential. “Europe has the talent, the ideas, and the ability to scale globally,” he emphasized, urging support for these enterprises to ensure their success.
Lescure added that European AI sovereignty must also address the challenges of AI’s integration into everyday life. He pointed to the need for robust regulations to mitigate risks like job displacement and algorithmic bias, while ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the global AI race. “We must balance innovation with responsibility,” he said. “That’s what European AI sovereignty is all about.”
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
The discussions at VivaTech marked a significant step toward a more cohesive European AI sovereignty strategy. Both ministers outlined a roadmap that includes investments in research, education, and infrastructure. “France and Germany call for European AI sovereignty not just as a policy goal, but as a long-term vision,” Lescure stated. “This requires sustained collaboration, clear regulations, and a commitment to excellence.”
Wildberger concluded by emphasizing that European AI sovereignty is not merely about competition but about creating a sustainable, equitable future for all. “Europe must be at the forefront of AI innovation, guided by its values and ambitions,” he said. “By working together, we can ensure that our technological progress benefits everyone.”
