German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for greater digital sovereignty and a faster expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities in Germany and Europe. Speaking at the federal government’s Digital Summit in Berlin, Merz said the country must become faster and more effective at developing and applying digital technologies, with the aim of becoming a leading force in the field.
The government’s strategy has two tracks. In the short term, it intends to support the development of AI models that can be used by industry and strengthen companies’ competitiveness. At the same time, research into future AI systems, including physical AI, is to be advanced.
A central objective is to reduce technological dependence on major technology companies in the United States and China. Merz also pointed to international cooperation, including partnerships with France and Canada, as a way to share expertise and diversify supply chains.
He said AI development must remain guided by human values. Technology policy, in his view, should therefore be implemented in line with Germany’s values and security interests.
The two-day summit brings together government representatives, experts and technology entrepreneurs from several countries to discuss AI’s opportunities, risks and effects. The German government expects the next 18 months to be decisive in determining whether the country can remain connected to the international AI competition.
A task force led by the Digital Ministry and established by the government’s National Security Council during the summer has presented a plan to make Germany an “AI nation” by 2030. Its targets include AI adoption by at least 80% of large companies and 55% of small and medium-sized businesses by that year. The plan also calls for the number of AI start-ups to triple and for more than 10% of economic output to be generated through AI-based activity.
The task force warned that Germany, despite a strong starting position in research, risks falling further behind the leading AI locations in the United States and China. Its final report said the opportunity to reduce that gap would soon narrow and identified the next 12 to 18 months as crucial for setting the necessary course.
Sources: Tagesschau.