Merz Calls for Digital Sovereignty in AI Development

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for increased efforts to develop domestic artificial intelligence capabilities to safeguard 'digital sovereignty.'

Speaking at an AI conference in Berlin, Merz warned that nations risk losing control to external providers as AI becomes more integrated into the economy.

He stressed the importance of avoiding dependence on third parties for AI development and use, calling it an existential issue for countries.

Merz's government, which appointed a minister for digitalisation and modernisation when he took office, has pledged to accelerate efforts to digitalize the economy.

Germany's national AI strategy, introduced in 2018, has seen adoption by many firms and startups, but critics argue the country lags in digital infrastructure, skills, and domestic technology.

The Ifo economics research institute noted Germany's reliance on physical paper processes and a small high-tech sector as barriers to fully leveraging AI potential.