Merz says Europe must build sovereign frontier AI models and reduce dependence on U.S. and Chinese technology

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday that Europe must develop its own advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and cloud infrastructure rather than leave technological power concentrated in the United States, China and other countries.

“Europe must not leave the power to shape technology to others,” Merz said at Germany’s Digital Summit in Berlin.

He said Germany, France and the European Commission wanted to advance sovereign European frontier AI models with private investors and other partners, arguing that technological control had become a foundation of political and economic freedom.

Merz also rejected the idea that Europe was simply dependent on larger technology powers.

“With 450 million consumers, Europeans have one of the largest single markets in the world,” he said. “Please do not underestimate our own capabilities, and please do not underestimate how dependent others are on us.”

The chancellor said Germany already had domestic companies building cloud infrastructure and expressed confidence that Europe could achieve greater sovereignty in this area.

His remarks formed part of a broader push by Berlin to expand European computing capacity, reduce critical digital dependencies and support homegrown AI and cloud providers while continuing cooperation with international partners.

The German government has said digital sovereignty does not mean technological isolation or cutting off foreign investment, but ensuring Europe has credible alternatives and greater control over critical infrastructure, data and advanced technologies.