NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently said, “China will win the AI race against America.” His statement captured global attention. But for Europe, it should be more than a headline. It should be a warning.
Today, the United States and China are accelerating their AI capabilities. Europe, meanwhile, risks becoming a passive observer—aware of the urgency, yet slow to act. If the continent does not respond now, others will decide how the future of AI unfolds.
Europe’s Missing Voice in the Global AI Race
At the Financial Times AI Summit in London, one theme dominated every conversation: the U.S.–China AI rivalry. Every panel returned to the idea of technological competition and geopolitical tension.
This raised a key question: Where does Europe fit into this global narrative?
During my panel, I pointed out that California’s new AI Bill is inspired by the EU AI Act. The room paused. It was a reminder of the Brussels Effect—Europe often shapes global standards without receiving credit. When I later challenged the belief that technological progress automatically equals human progress, the audience responded with thoughtful silence. Europe has influence; it simply needs to recognize it.
NVIDIA’s Prediction and the Real Story Behind It
Huang’s prediction that Asia will overtake the United States in AI generated dramatic headlines. However, focusing only on competition misses a deeper point. The true question is not who builds the most advanced systems. It is who defines the purpose of intelligence.
Europe has the expertise and responsibility to shape AI in a way that protects human dignity. The old stereotype—“The U.S. innovates, China replicates, Europe regulates”—no longer serves us. Europe can shape AI’s ethical direction, ensuring technology works for people, not the other way around.
Why Europe Must Strengthen Its Global AI Partnerships
At the summit, I spoke with innovators from different parts of the world. When I met Mati Staniszewski, co-founder of ElevenLabs, I jokingly asked why he did not stay in Europe. His reply—“I am in the U.K.”—was a reminder that the United Kingdom remains a powerful ally. Strengthening this partnership could boost European competitiveness and help accelerate innovation across the continent.
The Politics of Time: How AI Powers Compete
Every society works on its own clock.
- China’s fast clock is driven by scale and pragmatism.
- Europe’s slow clock prioritizes reflection and safety.
- America’s market clock pushes speed and innovation.
These clocks create tension. Europe protects rights but risks falling behind. The U.S. innovates rapidly but faces volatility. China moves efficiently but faces ethical challenges.
The global AI race is no longer only about technology. It is about synchronizing innovation, safety, and purpose.
The Growing Divide: A New Silicon Schism
The world is splitting into two dominant AI ecosystems. One is shaped by Washington. The other is shaped by Beijing. This divide creates risks of ethical drift, militarization, and AI misuse.
The U.S. is investing heavily in AI leadership. Its AI Action Plan for 2025 mobilizes over $320 billion in private funding. Projects like Stargate aim for breakthroughs in AGI.
China’s AI Plus strategy is also expanding rapidly. Investments rose by 48% this year, reaching $98 billion. More than 60% of Chinese large enterprises now use AI systems.
Speed now defines power. The challenge is preventing speed from replacing safety.
Europe, therefore, must take on a new role. It can help bridge these competing clocks through governance and cooperation.
Europe’s Balancing Act: Innovation and Regulation
As Mario Draghi stated in his 2024 report on competitiveness, Europe’s economic strength depends on how well it integrates innovation and regulation. The EU AI Act, once criticized as burdensome, has become a global benchmark. Countries like Canada and Japan now rely on it as a model.
Europe acts not as a national leader but as a collective one. Its neutral stance gives it credibility. The EU is increasingly recognized as a key player in global AI governance.
The new Omnibus Digital Agenda for 2030 aims to modernize digital policy. It preserves Europe’s ethical values while leaving room for responsible innovation.
- Unacceptable-risk AI remains banned.
- High-risk AI must follow strict rules: transparency, oversight, and data governance.
- Low-risk AI receives lighter requirements to encourage innovation.
This flexible framework gives industries a clear path forward.
Rumors that Europe wants to “pause” the AI Act are false. Implementation continues, but with adaptability as standards evolve.
Europe’s vision remains simple: protect people, support trusted innovation, and lead through stewardship—not speed.
A Global AI Treaty: The Next Step for Coherence
When asked whether a global AI treaty is possible, I answered yes. A shared framework would allow nations to enforce their domestic rules while aligning globally. This would reduce fragmentation and risk.
Regulation does not hinder progress; it shapes it. If we fail to regulate AI, the technology will dictate the rules instead.
Europe must not be a passive commentator. It must become an active architect of a future where AI benefits humanity.