Europe Seeks Its Own AI Giants, Fears Dependence on US

The US decision to restrict foreign access to Anthropic’s latest artificial intelligence models has raised fears in Europe about the continent’s technological dependence on American companies.

The US Department of Commerce ordered Anthropic to block non-US citizens from accessing the company’s latest models. Anthropic subsequently suspended access for all users, including Americans.

According to Politico, several European politicians see Washington’s move as a warning that Europe lacks sufficiently advanced AI capabilities of its own. The decision came barely a week after the European Commission unveiled plans to strengthen the EU’s technological sovereignty.

European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said the Anthropic case “further underlines Europe’s need for technological sovereignty”.

Similar concerns were voiced across the continent. Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally, warned that countries failing to develop their own AI models would become increasingly dependent on decisions made by other powers.

Attention has focused particularly on French company Mistral, widely regarded as the EU’s most credible competitor in generative AI. Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe called for measures to support European technology companies, including preferential treatment in public procurement.

European politicians have also stressed the need to develop the continent’s computing infrastructure. Proposals include building large AI centers and working with countries including Canada, Australia, Singapore and the UK to pool computing capacity.

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