ECB chief warns Europe must build its own AI and data centres to avoid US‑China dependence

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that Europe’s reliance on artificial‑intelligence technology from the United States and China could give those trade partners “unprecedented leverage” in future negotiations. Speaking at a recent forum, Lagarde said the continent must develop its own AI models – the underlying software that powers tools such as chatbots – and expand domestic data‑centre capacity so that critical applications can run locally.

Lagarde emphasized that “if Europe invests in its own AI tech, the threat of being cut off loses its force,” urging policymakers to prioritize funding for home‑grown AI research and infrastructure. She argued that a robust, self‑sufficient AI ecosystem would safeguard the euro area from external pressure and ensure the region’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.