The Rise of AI as a Global Threat
Artificial intelligence has evolved from a mere invention into a powerful business model and, more recently, a weapon of mass destruction. This transformation has been accelerated by the introduction of advanced AI models like Mythos, developed by Anthropic. As the most powerful AI model to date, Mythos poses a significant threat to global security, capable of hacking sensitive software on a worldwide scale. With its emergence, AI has officially become both a national security risk and a strategic defense asset.
However, Europe's response to this challenge is lagging behind. The continent finds itself in a precarious position, caught between two dominant AI powers—America and China. The recent decision by the US administration to restrict access to Mythos for non-US nationals marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the potential for an "AI kill switch" that could cut off 88% of the world’s population from critical AI technologies overnight.
Project Glasswing and the Absence of European Involvement
Project Glasswing, an initiative aimed at researching and mitigating the risks associated with Mythos, does not include any European actors. This exclusion underscores the growing concern that Europe is becoming a digital colony, dependent on the technological advancements of the US and China. The situation demands immediate action from Brussels, as the EU must find ways to catch up and establish its own foothold in the AI landscape.
Unlocking Europe’s Scale
The key to Europe’s success lies in scale. This is not a race we have chosen, but it is one we are now forced to enter. The competition in AI is driven by massive investments, with trillions of dollars required rather than just billions. These resources cannot come solely from public funding; they must be sourced from private sectors.
The European Commission needs to convene an emergency summit with leading European businesses, securing substantial and reliable pledges. Business leaders must recognize that this is not only about their survival but also about the future of Europe as a competitive business space. At the same time, the EU capital market union and the single digital market need to be completed in a fast-track mode.
Scale is not just about money; it is also about size. National solutions will not suffice. Europe needs large-scale initiatives such as French-German Gigafactories and European space constellations. By leveraging its common market and synergies, the EU can create a strong foundation for its AI ambitions.
Multilateralism Against Digital Imperialism
In addition to internal efforts, the EU must also focus on international partnerships. Pooling AI compute capabilities beyond European borders with a consortium of middle powers could help counter digital imperialism. The EU is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts, as it has the capacity and willingness to use multilateralism effectively.
The EU’s international digital strategy already outlines a framework for digital foreign policy, emphasizing “global partnerships” in digital cooperation. Now is the time for Europe to take a leadership role in these initiatives.
Strategic Parallelism with the US
Building a new relationship with the US is essential. While Europe may depend on American infrastructure in the medium term, there is an opportunity to cooperate where necessary while simultaneously developing independent capacities. The Netherlands’ ASML, a leader in chip printing technology, offers some leverage, but it is limited compared to the US’s vast capabilities.
Regulatory standards can also play a crucial role. They can anchor American technologies within European trust and transparency, ensuring that these technologies gain access to European markets. Public acceptance of high-speed investments is vital for their political and economic success.
No AI Strategy Without Public Trust
Public trust is fundamental to the success of any AI strategy. The US is experiencing a techlash, with growing mistrust towards AI infrastructure among citizens. To avoid similar reactions, innovations in energy efficiency or water use should be integrated into transatlantic cooperation. Social redistribution of resources and profits is also essential to ensure that citizens do not bear the brunt of AI’s impact.
A Geopolitical Technology Player
The challenges ahead are uncomfortable, but they are necessary. Rallying capital, forming alliances, and negotiating with an unpredictable partner all go against Europe’s traditional instincts for caution and consensus. However, the American kill switch has shown that we have entered uncharted territory. The question now is whether Europe will take control of its destiny and become a geopolitical technology player or wait for others to decide its fate.
Dr. Sergey Lagodinsky is a politician of the German party "Bündnis 90/Die Grünen". Since the 2019 European elections, he has been a member of the European Parliament and was also elected Deputy Chair of the Greens/EFA Group. He has been Chair of the EuroNest Parliamentary Assembly, a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Delegation for Relations with Belarus. He is also a deputy member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Delegation for Relations with the United States and the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee. He is Lawyer and author.
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