AI has shifted from a niche technology, to the backbone of global power. The US and China pour tens of billions into their AI growth, rolling out powerful models with the support of tech giants and massive data centres.
Europe, by contrast, is still struggling to turn its strong research base into world-leading AI companies and technologies. It is lagging behind competitors as the window to dominate the AI space gets narrow.
Money matters, and the gap is stark: US investment in AI vastly outweighs Europe’s, which means that many EU-trained engineers leave the bloc for better funded opportunities in Silicon Valley. Europe’s startups are growing but remain dependent on US investors or foreign buyouts.
At the same time, the EU has pursued a different path: prioritising regulation and ethics through the AI Act and strict data rules. And while supporters argue that this could make Europe a global standard-setter, critics warn it drives innovation elsewhere.
Has the EU already lost the AI battle, or can it still catch up? How much risk and disruption should Europe accept to stay competitive? Your perspective is needed: share your voice and join the conversation.
Our poll is anonymous and takes just a few seconds to complete. The results will feature across EU.XL coverage -in videos, articles, and newsletters- and will help shape our reporting as we explore how Europe can secure its place in the age of artificial intelligence.