Germany's digital state secretary, Thomas Jarzombek, warns that Europe’s reliance on foreign artificial intelligence poses a serious challenge to its autonomy and long-term security. Speaking in an interview with DW, he stresses the importance of achieving tech sovereignty, arguing that values embedded in AI systems should be shaped by Europeans, not dictated by external powers. He highlights the risks tied to data control, ethical governance, and economic vulnerability, urging immediate action to strengthen Europe’s independent technological foundation.
Jarzombek advocates for greater public investment in AI research and development, along with enhanced collaboration across EU nations. He believes a unified European approach is essential to building a resilient AI ecosystem rooted in democratic principles and privacy protection. These calls align with broader EU initiatives aimed at regulating AI while promoting innovation within the bloc’s own strategic framework.