At the beginning of 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a major geopolitical, economic and societal issue. Faced with the technological dominance of the United States and China, France and the European Union are stepping up their efforts to assert their digital sovereignty and promote ethical and sustainable AI.

France: towards sovereign and responsible AI

France is pursuing its national strategy for artificial intelligence (SNIA), initiated in 2018 and reinforced as part of the France 2030 plan. This strategy aims to position the country among the world leaders in AI, with an emphasis on training, research and innovation. 

In February 2025, at the Summit for Action on AI in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron announced a €109 billion investment plan, including partnerships with foreign sovereign wealth funds for the creation of low-carbon data centres. 

In addition, France has launched ‘Current AI’, a foundation with a budget of 400 million euros, aimed at developing open source digital commons and promoting AI in the public interest.

Europe: an industrial and regulatory ambition

In April 2025, the European Union unveiled a €200 billion investment plan to catch up with the American and Chinese giants. The plan includes the construction of five AI ‘gigafactories’, each equipped with more than 100,000 advanced processors, and the creation of a continent-wide network of data centres. ​

On the regulatory front, the EU is relying on the AI Act, which came into force in August 2024, to establish a harmonised legal framework guaranteeing trustworthy AI that respects fundamental rights. ​

The world: towards global AI governance

The AI Summit for Action, held in Paris in February 2025, brought together more than 1,000 participants from 100 countries, marking an important step towards global AI governance. On this occasion, the EU launched the InvestAI initiative and a coalition of more than 60 European companies announced massive investments to support the development of AI on the continent.

However, differences remain over the regulation of AI. While the EU advocates an ethical and inclusive approach, some countries, such as the United States, warn against excessive regulation that could stifle innovation. ​

France and Europe are resolutely committed to the AI race, focusing on massive investment, balanced regulation and the promotion of ethical values.

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Image credit: Steve Johnson – Unsplash