EU must "cut risky dependencies" in technology

Henna Virkkunen, the European Commissioner for technological sovereignty, emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its technological independence at the Web Summit. She highlighted that 80% of technology comes from outside Europe, linking technology to economic competitiveness and geopolitical power. Virkkunen stressed that technological sovereignty does not imply isolation but the ability to choose partners without risky dependencies. She noted the importance of developing AI models in Europe while acknowledging the dominance of the US and China in advanced technologies. The EU is investing in AI infrastructure and sustainable data centers, aiming to build trust in technology among citizens. Virkkunen also pointed out the need for Europe to develop its own advanced chips, recognizing the current dependency on American companies. She concluded by stating that collaboration with partners like the US, Japan, and Brazil is essential for achieving these goals.